Blog

It was in Châtillon-les-Dombes, a small village near Maçon, in France, that St. Vincent created in 1617 the first “Confraternities,” later called “Charities.” So was born the first nucleus, the first Charity, from which stemmed the AIC and a great number of Vincentian groups that followed. See the new YouTube video– AIC: The Journey, 1617 to Today narrated by Fr. John Freund, C.M.

Reflect on St. Vincent’s understanding of Christ and its implications for us as missioners sent to serve the poor in this presentation offered by Fr. Bruce Krause, C.M.

As Vincentians, we perform many acts of charity and service to the poor and the needy. But do we reflect together on our experiences with the poor, often enough? Why not commit, with your community or SVDP conference, each week to share something that was important to you during the past week? Fr. Bruce Krause, C.M. offers some thought-starters in the new presentation 5 Reflections On Our Ministry As Vincentians.

Travel to 17th century Paris in this little game that tests your knowledge of our founders St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Requires Flash player (meaning that it will play on most computers, but not on iPad or iPhone).

In today’s featured presentation, Fr. Robert Maloney, CM asks: Why is a Systemic Change mentality important? Here are two reasons you may not have thought about:

The parables of Jesus make up a substantial part of His recorded preaching. All of the great themes of Jesus’ preaching are struck in the parables; they are among the best known of all Jesus’ words. In general terms, a parable is any succinct story which is intended to teach lessons or principles. A parable often involves a character who faces a moral dilemma. Today we feature two presentations by Fr. Dennis Berry, S.T.: St. Louise de Marillac: Her Life As Parable, and St. Vincent’s Life As Parable. These may be downloaded and used for quiet reflection or perhaps with a small group. What lessons can be learned by observing key points in the lives of St. Vincent and St. Louise? In working with the poor and marginalized, can we find contemporary stories and parables to use in preaching/teaching?

One of the essential pieces in the Rite of Penance is the examination of conscience. We take an internal self-examination of our spiritual life and bring to light those sins that keep us from a more intimate relationship with Christ. We recall our sins and faults committed since our last confession. One of the most common ways is to go through the Ten Commandments. Another way, which you may not have thought about, is to turn to the Church’s social teaching– which is about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Consider how you’re doing, and what more you can do, using the Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching.

July 31 is the feast day of St. Justin de Jacobis, CM, the great missionary to Ethiopia. Learn the secrets of his success in our new presentation St. Justin de Jacobis: The Art of Dialogue. This presentation is based on an article of the same title by Professor Yaqob Beyené.

“Forty years ago this summer, I became one of those on the edge.” Read one man’s story of homelessness at Shared Stories: The Edge.

Tonight is the anniversary of the first apparition of our Lady to St. Catherine Labouré, on the night of July 18-19. To celebrate, we would like to share this video, produced by The Faithful Traveler, about the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Germantown, Philadelphia.