When Vincent de Paul died 350 years ago last September, all of Paris mourned. Poor and rich alike wept because they loved this man whose life (1581-1660) had been extraordinary. As a teenager he fled … Read More
Property and People: The ongoing relevance of an oft-forgotten church teaching
We forget many things. Usually, they do not disappear completely from memory; they just lie buried under countless other things. From time to time they rise to the surface, but quickly fall back into oblivion. … Read More
Vincentian prayer
Introduction It was with great interest that I prepared this reflection on “Vincentian Prayer” for the Sisters of the Asian Vincentian Institute. I think that I have gathered the most significant aspects of the life … Read More
The Prophetic Dimension of the Vincentian Charism in light of the Social Doctrine of the Church
1. Introduction We have just asked the Lord to give us a heart like that of Vincent de Paul. It is said that we are able to love more that which we know better and … Read More
New in the Library: “Seeds of Hope: Stories of Systemic Change”
This work of just under 200 pages in its English-language edition is, it seems, without precedent in Vincentian history. It has been produced by a body called The Vincentian Family’s Commission for Promoting Systemic Change. … Read More
Listening as the Foundation for Spirituality
Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear. (Isaiah 50:4-5) Have you ever noticed how little explicit emphasis there is on listening in the … Read More
The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church (10 – End)
10. The Vincentian circular movement: from Christ to the poor and from the poor to Christ In concluding this reflection about the contributions of the Vincentian charism to the mission of the Church, it seems … Read More
The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church (9)
9. Creativity Previously, we recalled the fact that Vincent viewed events as a sign from God and, in the case of the poor, such signs are privileged. Vincent viewed events as revealing God, as revealing … Read More
New in the Library: “Colloque magazine”
Colloque is the journal of the Irish Province of the Congregation of the Mission. It has been made available from 1979 to present. The involvement of the Congregation of the Mission with Ireland dates back … Read More
The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church (8)
8. Charity animates the mission and the mission is charity Jesus, in the synagogue at Nazareth and as he proclaimed the text from the prophet Isaiah (The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because … Read More