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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.

Test your knowledge of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, “Jeopardy” style! See how you match up with others in your Conference. This game is fun to play at a group meeting using a projector. This newly released version is designed for two teams: Team Vincent and Team Frederic. To play, go to Jeopardy SVDP Edition.

Rev. Msgr. Michael Boland, a U.S. regional spiritual advisor for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, notes that today everything is less personal. Voice mail and e-mail “separate us from the person,” he says. “Vincent and Frederic remind us how important it is to be present, to look into the eyes of the poor, to go out, be present … Read More

At Famvin, we work every day to create inspirational posts that can speak to the Vincentian Family around the world. According to our statistics, “Vincentian Prayers” has always been one of the most popular categories. Based on this, we’ve just added: Vincentian Spirituality and Sacred Scripture, Meditation On a Recent Home Visit, Prayers For a Life of Service, and Favorite … Read More

She was a wife, a mother, a widow, a sole parent, a foundress, an educator, a leader, a social minister, and a vowed religious… in other words St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a Saint so many women can relate to in one way or another. She shows us that sanctity is open to everyone if we love God and do … Read More

The feast day of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is July 4. Journey with Bl. Pier Giorgio along the Stations of the Resurrection, also known by the Latin name Via Lucis (Way of Light). Meditate upon Jesus’ Resurrection appearances and other episodes of the New Testament, then read corresponding excerpts from Pier Giorgio’s letters and testimonies from witnesses who knew him. … Read More