I can remember two talks that stopped me in my tracks … and still nourish me today. Each, in its own way, broadened my vision of what it means to be a follower of Christ, the Evangelizer of the Poor.


I can remember two talks that stopped me in my tracks … and still nourish me today. Each, in its own way, broadened my vision of what it means to be a follower of Christ, the Evangelizer of the Poor.

A true story of the moment a woman discovered that she and her husband were already Vincentian.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk let’s explore the implications of what she learned.

Over a lifetime, we each learn the stories of where we fit and don’t fit, and who are our good and bad guys. Sadly, at least in the eyes of God, for most of us, it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid the trap of building walls instead of bridges.
I see some connections with another more benign virus – the Vincentian Virus. COVID19 Is both similar to and very different from the Vincentian Virus.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore the Vincentian movement as a desirable virus that continues to spread… hopefully infecting even more people.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore how Vincentians are becoming aware of themelves as a movement rather than just branches of a specific family. People from all walks of life and professions seek to serve the poor and the marginalized wherever they may be and whatever their needs.
Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Executive President of the Worldwide Vincentian Family, looks back on his six years of leadership. As I read his letter, I had the sense of a man opening his heart to over four million followers of Vincent.
“Pray, Pay and Obey” was once a pithy aphorism that succinctly captured the Catholic view in the pre-Vatican II church! – Thomas Augustine Judge, CM was raised in that culture. Yet after twenty years a priest he went so far as to say “this is the layman’s hour”. What a radical thought 1919!
St. VIncent was one of the great influencers. He lived the prayer “May love light up my mortal frame until others catch the living flame.” He set hearts afire!
No matter what era or even whether we went to a catholic school, I suspect the teachers we remember most favorably are the ones who taught us to think.
People experiencing poverty have an expertise that can not be taught in a classroom. They know their situation from the inside. They understand many dimensions of poverty that may not occur to us.
Leaders of 97 branches of the Vincentian Family gathered. They represented over 2 million people bringing “good news” to countless millions in 156 countries. One could see the blooming of the Vincentian Family.
We are people with a mission…to do what Jesus did. People who use the skills of their profession in frontline “field hospitals” or mobilize those who are committed to “seeking long-term solutions.”
“Search out more than ever, with boldness, humility, and skill, the causes of poverty and encourage short and long term solution. By doing so, you will work for the credibility of the Gospel and of the Church.”