By PatriciaT on Aug 31, 2008 in Featured, Systemic change | 0 Comments
This four-week series by Fr Robert P. Maloney, C.M. aims at helping members of the Vincentian Family find more ways of talking and reflecting about concept systemic change and its implications. We think it succeeds and will be interested in hearing what you’re talking about. –.ed
Many who work among the poor speak use a phrase that captures a key purpose of their work: systemic change. This potent idea has captured the attention and imagination of leaders of the Vincentian Family. Why? One way to look at that question is to think about the concept of systems.
A place to start is with our common sense, with what you and I already know about a very complex system: our own bodies. Consider, for instance, the effects of a broken bone. If I break my ankle, it hurts. My pain affects my overall happiness and my mood. That, in turn, affects how I relate with others. The broken ankle also distorts how I walk. As I hobble along, my hip or my back might start bothering me. A throbbing ankle and an aching back can be a fast track to headache or grouchiness. My work, my study, and my interactions with everyone – all these might begin to feel the pain of the broken ankle. Read the rest
Recent Articles
By jbf on Sep 6, 2008 in Vincentian Family News, Vincentian History | 0 Comments
Who was Frederic - what did he do and say and what is his significance for today? FAMVIN.ORG has compiled a short list of links helpful in answering these questions.
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By jbf on Sep 5, 2008 in Church, Justice and Peace | 0 Comments
On 27 August, the Pope called for an immediate end to acts of violence against Christian communities in the Indian state of Orissa, which began following the murder of the Hindu leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati. Benedict XVI invited “religious leaders and civil authorities to work together to restore among the members of the various communities the peaceful coexistence and harmony which have always been the distinguishing mark of Indian society”.
By jbf on Sep 5, 2008 in Disasters, Philanthropy, Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
Jose Ramon Torremocha has issued an appeal for funds to assist hurricane victims in Haiti and has seeded the appeal with 10,000 Euros.
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By jbf on Sep 5, 2008 in Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
The Daughters of Charity are accepting food donations at 500 NW 63rd Ave. in Miami. Needed items include powdered and evaporated milk, canned hot dogs and packaged red beans, lentils and black beans.
By jbf on Sep 4, 2008 in Spirituality, Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
The texts for liturgical celebrations of the September 9 celebration of the feast of Bl. Frederic Ozanam can be found on the website of the Canadian Society of St. Vincent dePaul.
By jbf on Sep 4, 2008 in Missions, Systemic change, Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
Women in Nepal say a six-month vocational skills program the Nazareth sisters run has given them confidence in a society that frowns on women working outside the home.
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By jbf on Sep 3, 2008 in Missions, Vincentian Family News, Vincentian Formation, Youth | 1 Comment
Alica Robey is a Vincentian lay Missionary from the USA living and working in Ethiopia. She is our first “long-term” missionary. Here is a letter from her. (Courtesy of Aidan Rooney)
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By jbf on Sep 3, 2008 in Church, Justice and Peace, Missions, Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
Fr. Gregory Gay, CM has requested posting of these front-line reports on the religious crisis in India
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By jbf on Sep 1, 2008 in Vincentian Family News, Vincentian History | 2 Comments
These Vincentian priest faced a choice. They could take the oath and cave to public pressure or choose to stand for their faith and commitment as ordained priests.
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By sjs on Sep 1, 2008 in Church | 0 Comments
Vincent understood the meaning of work. He knew that we love God not only by acts of prayer, but “with the sweat of our brows and the strength of our arms.” On this Labor Day in the U.S., a day on which we celebrate the acheivements of workers, it is useful to reflect on the meaning of work from a Catholic perspective. Read the rest
By jbf on Aug 31, 2008 in Church, Spirituality | 0 Comments
Villanova University provides a comprehensive list of resources for celebrating the Year of Paul requested by Pope Benedict. The list includes links to Papal documents, electronic resourcessugested reading and more.
By sjs on Aug 31, 2008 in Poverty - Strategies | 0 Comments
Over 200 bicyclists just completed a “sea to sea bike tour” across the United States, to help raise funds and awareness to help break the cycle that keeps people in poverty. Read the rest
By jbf on Aug 30, 2008 in Justice and Peace, Vincentian Family News | 1 Comment
Violence affecting the Vincentian Family in India has possible worldwide implications. Links to in-depth reporting. Read the rest
By jbf on Aug 30, 2008 in Spirituality, Vincentian Family News | 0 Comments
“We just hadn’t paid too much attention to the spirituality of our leaders,” said (Daughter of Charity) Mary Kay Tyrell, chief mission and ministry officer for St. Thomas Health Services. “We just assumed that if we hired them, they were there by choice.”
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