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

Explore the many “Ways to Serve” the poor and marginalized as part of the Vincentian Family. How is your Christian faith integrated into your life? How might volunteering help to deepen your faith? See our listing of Vincentian volunteer opportunities. Feeling moved to get involved, advocating for the poor? See our listing of links to advocacy information. Need more information … Read More

What are my motives for serving the needy? Those good feelings that come from giving? A reward for me in the next life? The power difference between me and the receiver? All of these could diminish, rather than build up, the self-esteem of the one served! No, for charity to be healing, only one motive is needed: genuine love and … Read More

When despair, anger and fear is everywhere, and humane treatment of those who suffer is nowhere… when terror is in the streets… Charity walks without fear, into the streets where fear had once reigned. Sister Rosalie Rendu crisscrossed the streets and alleyways, with her rosary in her hand, heavy basket on her arm, with hurried steps– Rosalie visited her own … Read More

Shared by Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM: If you’ve flown on an airplane, you know the instructions: If you are traveling with a small child, and the cabin loses oxygen, and the air masks drop down, what are you supposed to do? (Correct response: “Place the mask over your own face first, then over your child’s.”) Exactly! See to your needs … Read More

Whether you’re at work, mingling with friends, at church, or at some conference or gathering, you’ll get this question: “What do you do?” “What is a Vincentian?” This is the perfect opportunity to make people want to know more about our way of serving the poor. In the business world, if someone is looking for a job, one of the … Read More

What was the medical knowledge and understanding in 17th century France? How does the example set by St. Louise de Marillac help us in our ministry with those who are poor and ill? Find out in this presentation: St. Louise: Healer, Sister, Friend.