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.

“One of the things that we are going to encounter as we engage in Systemic Change is working with diverse cultures,” says Sr. Caroljean Willie, SC. “It is important to understand some of the elements of culture that will help us to truly and effectively meet the needs of the people whom we serve.” Sister’s presentation, called “One Cloth Many … Read More

If you’re suddenly facing homelessness, what are your options? To get a sense of this, try the “game” called Hobson’s Choice. Choose the version that works for you:

1. Desktop
2. iPhone/iPad
3. Android or other phone (requires Flash plugin)

It’s very easy to get into the routine of daily ministry without stopping to take the time and look back at our roots, particularly the history of the Vincentian Family in the United States. Fr. Felix de Andreis CM and Fr. Joseph Rosati CM were the first priests from the Congregation of the Mission who arrived on American soil in … Read More

Those who serve the poor may find the following links helpful: Prayer Before Home Visit, Prayer for Vincentian Workers, the Open My Eyes prayer, and a St. Vincent de Paul Society Prayer. To see a list of all prayers in our collection, click here.

There’s something about watching the classics again… take a few minutes to revisit the YouTube “The Most Important Thing For Us” in which Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM casually shares his thoughts, returning to one of Vincentians’ most familiar themes: finding God in others.

For related resources, see Resources tagged “Seeing Christ in the Poor”.

Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC has prepared a mini-retreat: quotes from Sts. Louise and Vincent for each of the eleven days between Ascension Thursday (May 29, 2014) and Pentecost Sunday (June 8, 2014). May their words stir up the desires of our hearts to be open to the Spirit’s transforming grace. Come, Holy Spirit!