Their social and economic status (peasant girls); their practice of simple annual vows, as opposed to perpetual vows; their choice to wear the clothes of that day, to enable them to function more easily; their ability to move freely through the streets and hospital wards, as opposed to a cloister. In celebration of the founding of the Daughters of Charity on Nov. 29, 1633, may we recommend the informative video series Conversations With Elisabeth Charpy, D.C. in which Sr. Elisabeth describes the early history of the Daughters, and also the video Origins of the Daughters of Charity.

Pope Francis declared that a Year of Consecrated Life be celebrated throughout the world. The Year begins on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014. It will close on the World Day of Consecrated Life, February 2, 2016. Today’s featured resource is the video “The Consecrated Life of a Vincentian“. Other Famvin media/resources can be found at: Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, and Sisters of Charity.

How did these people use the Miraculous Medal to evangelize? Mother Teresa, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Fr. Carl Pieber, C.M., a street evangelizer, a lay person, an Augustinian priest… read their stories of the power of the Miraculous Medal. This new presentation is a resource for both the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Nov. 27), and the Vincentian Year of New Evangelization. See: The Miraculous Medal: A Powerful Tool for Evangelization.

Take a few moments to meditate on this very beautiful homily, spoken in the chapel of the Rue du Bac by Michael McCullagh, C.M. of the Province of Ireland. We offer this new presentation on the occasion of the Feast of St. Catherine Labouré (Nov. 28): see The Sound of Silence: St. Catherine Labouré.

All God’s people, and we as a Vincentian Family in particular, are called to reflect God’s merciful and just character in the world; to witness to Christ and His Kingdom through word and deed. Our passion for justice comes from a passion for Jesus and a passion for Jesus’ poor. Learn more in today’s featured resource, the presentation Jesus Evangelizer of the Poor.

When Pope Benedict XVI issued Porta fidei, the Apostolic Letter proclaiming a Year of Faith, he said the world was in need of credible witnesses. Catholics are encouraged to study the lives of the Saints in order to follow their example. As part of our ongoing series related to the Vincentian Year of New Evangelization, I would like to highlight 12 resources originally produced for the Year of Faith, that show how our Vincentian Saints open the door of faith to those who wish to follow in their footsteps. Read more at Resources Tagged “Year of Faith”.

To teach and to spread the Church’s social doctrine pertains to our evangelizing mission and is an essential part of the Christian message. Pope John Paul II wrote in Centesimus Annus: “The ‘new evangelization’ […] must include among its elements a proclamation of the Church’s social doctrine.” Today we feature a collection of resources on Catholic Social Teaching, an essential part of our faith. We must proclaim it openly in the new evangelization.

Certain resources in our collection are tagged by the editor as “For Youth”. These resources will help you positively impact the lives of younger Vincentians. You’ll find Vincentian presentations, games, and more. Help teens and other new volunteers to advance in the Vincentian charism.

In dedicating this year as the Vincentian Year of New Evangelization, Superior General Gregory Gay, C.M., wrote: “A key aspect of [the new evangelization] is to rediscover and re-encounter Jesus with love in our hearts, deepening our relationship with him to grow in discipleship. It is a personal deepening of our faith in the God of Jesus Christ, a fruit of the Holy Spirit.” Did you know that the primary mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is for its members to grow in holiness, through their service to those who are living in poverty? After an experience of service, it is good to spend some time reflecting on what occurred, what you learned, and how Christ was present. Some helpful resources for personal growth can be found on VinFormation. They can be used for individual study or can be discussed as a group.

Continuing our theme of Evangelization: there are many ways of evangelizing. Think about someone whose life you want to impact for eternal good. Make a commitment to spend time petitioning God to work in that person’s life. Our Lady promised that the Green Scapular would contribute to the conversion of souls, particularly those who have no faith. It may be used anywhere, for anyone. To see a presentation about the origins, use and promises of the Green Scapular, click here.