She took charge of a new hospital and organized its services. She opened a school. She ran a shelter for young abandoned girls. She was considered a pioneer in the field of social work. Are we talking about some influential leader of the 20th century? No– she was a Daughter of Charity, Blessed Marguerite Rutan, living in the late 1700s in France. Tragically, at the time of the French Revolution she and her sisters were unjustly accused of robbery; she was informed on, thrown into jail, sentenced to death by the revolutionary court (the 9th of April 1794) and executed on that same day. Learn more in this video.

In this new presentation, Frederic Ozanam defends the tradition of almsgiving in the face of criticism from the Socialists of his day.

Here we offer a presentation based on the Holy Father’s message for 2015 World Youth Day, which was held on Palm Sunday at the diocesan level. The message’s theme is the Sixth Beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). This year’s World Youth Day begins the final stage of preparations for the great gathering of young people from around the world in Krakow in 2016. Related links: Facebook pages Kraków Famvin 2016, World Youth Day 2016. Website: krakow2016.com.

Bl. Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, SC was born this day in 1901. This narrated slideshow of her life comes to us from the YouTube Channel of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.

It’s not too late to get in the Lenten spirit. Promise yourself to spend some quiet time with Vincentian Lenten resources from Famvin such as our series on the Virtue of Mortification, Vincentian quotes, Vincentian Stations of the Cross, and more. Use hashtag #VFLent2015 to share your own Vincentian Lenten resources.

Next in our series for the Vincentian Year of New Evangelization, this presentation is based on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ writings on the ties between the New Evangelization and Social Justice.

New presentation: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on mortification, interior abandon, interior silence, recognizing obstacles in our hearts… a Lenten reflection.

Famvin’s Vincentian Encyclopedia includes a category devoted to information about St. Louise de Marillac. There are over 50 articles available. To print any article in the Encyclopedia, go to the Tools menu and select “Printable Version”.

Next in our Lenten series on mortification: a new YouTube video with quotes from Saints and Blesseds. Use for personal reflection or as a meditation at your next gathering.

Fr. Robert Maloney writes of the Five Faces of St. Louise in this new presentation, ready to view online or download the PDF version to present at your local gathering. Other resources on St. Louise can be found here.