Bicentennial of Blessed Frederic

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The Apostle in the Top Hat

Bl. Rosalie

Today, February 7, marks the feast day of Bl. Rosalie Rendu, who was beatified just 10 years ago.  Why is she important to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?  Read more here.

Daughters of Charity

March 14. St. Louise de Marillac was born August 12, 1591. She married Antoine LeGras on February 5, 1613, had a son named Michel, and was widowed when Antoine died on December 21, 1625. St. Vincent de Paul then became her spiritual director, and under his guidance she became very active in caring for the poor and in visiting the Confraternities of Charity. With Vincent, Louise co-founded the Daughters of Charity on November 29, 1633. She died March 15, 1660, and was canonized in 1934. In 1960, Pope John XXIII proclaimed her the patron saint of all Christian social workers.  (Vincentian Feast Days.)

Sacramentum Caritatis

 

The Diocese of Sacramento has published its strategic plan for the diocese and, with it, a call to action to Catholics in Northern California.  Read the strategic plan here.

Of particular interest for Vincentians is the renewed focus on charity and social justice, with the foundation of both being Jesus Christ in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.  In the document, this concept is called, Sacramentum Caritatis - The Sacrament of Charity.

Two excerpts from the strategic plan's discussion under Sacramentum Caritatas explain the concept:

The Sacrifice of the Mass is where the charity of the Church begins.

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In the Diocese of Sacramento, we will make explicit the relationship between the Eucharistic mystery of the Mass and our commitment to serve society with the truth and beauty of the Gospel.

October - Honoring Christ in the Most Holy Rosary

October 7 is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

It is my personal opinion, one which is in accord with the mind of the Church, that you will profit very much by praying the holy Rosary every day. The prayer of the Rosary is the prayer of the holy Gospel, the Good News Who is Jesus. My best piece of spiritual advice to you, no matter who you are, president or plumber, priest or king...PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY! You will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

                                          --Father John Corapi (Letters)

Interview with National President

On September 1, 2010, Joe Flanagan, the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States, was interviewed by Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, on EWTN. The efforts of the Society locally, nationally and internationally, were discussed, as well as the Society's history and spirituality. To view the video please click here


Sacramento District Council President John Hallissy notes, "The interview is very informative for longtime Vincentians as well as those new to the Society or those non-Vincentians who want to learn more about the Society."

Solidarity with Broderick Christian

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/06/28/2853548/fire-ruins-homeless-shelter-in.html?storylink=lingospot_related_articles

After recent vandalism and a suspicious fire on Sunday, June 27, 2010, which gutted facilities for the poor and homeless, Broderick Christian Center faces new and difficult challenges.  The OLG and Holy Cross SVdP Conferences stand in solidarity with Broderick Christian Center, will look for ways to assist, and continue to keep the ministry of Broderick Christian Center, and the poor they serve, in our prayers.

Epiphany

 

Epiphany is the Greek word for "manifestation."  On this feast day, "God is with us"--Emmanuel--is made manifest, shown, to the whole world with the witness of the Magi.

from The Deacon's Bench website:

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“But this feast should remind us: we are all magi, no matter where we come from. Each of us bears a gift, and has something to offer. And we are all journeying toward an unknown place of promise, guided by a never-ending light.”

To read the complete homily, click here. 


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Q:  In the picture above, why is St. Francis of Assisi (center, at left) present at the manger?

A:  St. Francis is credited with bringing the tradition of the "creche" or manger scene to our Catholic celebration of Christmas.  Click here for more on the Nativity Scene tradition.

January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

From past homily of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Solemnity of Mary (click text to read entire homily):

On the first day of the year, divine Providence brings us together for a celebration that moves us each time because of the riches and beauty of its correspondence: the civil New Year converges with the culmination of the Octave of Christmas on which the divine Motherhood of Mary is celebrated, and this gathering is summed up felicitously in the World Day of Peace.

Gaudete

What is "Gaudete" Sunday? 
Click the word "Gaudete" (above), or click here for more information.

Emmanuel - God With Us (reflection)

All Hallows' Eve

"This holiday [Halloween], properly understood and celebrated with all of its fun trappings, can be a way for us to deepen our understanding of our faith. The key to this understanding is close at hand for Catholics in our love of the communion of saints."

Read more.

Mary, Queen of Heaven

"A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars."

Rev 12:1

On the octave of the Feast of the Assumption, we celebrate the crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven. (Click photo to learn about the artwork.)

Feast of the Assumption

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

August 15

Gospel: (Luke 1:39-56)

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

Reflection:

Mary’s “yes” unleashed a unique relationship with Jesus. This is why all generations will call her blessed: without knowing how and why, she believed that God would raise her up to be the Mother of God. For nine months she would nurture in her womb the Life that would bring life to all. For nine months she would give her body so that the Bread of Life might be born. Mary is blessed because she believed in God’s word. Mary is blessed because her body gave life to the Word incarnate. This is why we believe that her body is assumed into heaven: hers was a blessed body. Body and soul, she was assumed into heaven to enjoy eternal life with the divine Word, her Son. And, this because she believed and trusted in God! (Living Liturgy, p.190)

Vincentian Meditation:

Mary is the ideal disciple, the model listener. She hears God’s word and acts on it. Mary as the Listening Disciple, lies at the core of New Testament spirituality: all disciples, like Mary, are called to listen to the word of God attentively and act on it. There is almost nothing more important that Mary can teach us than to learn to listen. At root, being a disciple means being a hearer of the word. The whole of Christian life can be summed up in the phrase: “She listened to the word of God and acted on it.” (Maloney, Go! On the Missionary Spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, p.110-111)

Journal: (Write down your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we better live our Vincentian devotion to Mary?

Closing Prayer:

Mary responded with joyful faith to your call,

-Lord, open our hearts to do your will.

Mary listened to the Word of God and acted on it,

-Lord, grant us the grace to follow her example.

Mary assumed into heaven, you are the Mother of the Church,

-Mary, full of grace, pray for us.

Mary lived the mystery of Jesus and followed him to Calvary,

-Mary, give us the grace to find God in all of the events of our lives.

Amen

Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI offers another opportunity for reflection on social justice in his encyclical letter, Charity in Truth, Caritas in Veritate

An excerpt from the introduction of the encyclical letter:

2. Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every responsibility and every commitment spelt out by that doctrine is derived from charity which, according to the teaching of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire Law (cf. Mt 22:36- 40). It gives real substance to the personal relationship with God and with neighbour; it is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones). For the Church, instructed by the Gospel, charity is everything because, as Saint John teaches (cf. 1 Jn 4:8, 16) and as I recalled in my first Encyclical Letter, “God is love” (Deus Caritas Est): everything has its origin in God's love, everything is shaped by it, everything is directed towards it. Love is God's greatest gift to humanity, it is his promise and our hope.

Year for Priests

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars. (Source: USCCB)

Corpus Christi

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

June 14, 2009

(Source: Vincentian Reflections, National Conference)

Gospel: (Mark 14: 12-16)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection:

Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant who obtained redemption for us “with his own blood” is truly the same as his mission – to give of himself without counting the cost, even if its cost is his very body and blood. Self-giving unites identity and mission into the same reality. This solemnity brings us once again to Jesus’ self-giving on the cross and to continued self-giving in the Eucharist, and challenges us to take up Jesus’ mission of self-giving. The Eucharist is the centerpiece of our lives, challenging us: our identity is our mission – self-giving.

Vincentian Meditation:

The Eucharist plays a major role in Vincentian spirituality. This is seen in the lives of St. Vincent and Blessed Frederic.Vincent spent one hour each morning before the Blessed Sacrament before celebrating Mass. He would frequently make short visits to the chapel before leaving and upon returning from his responsibilities. Frederic attended Mass daily whenever possible. Also, with every day, Frederic would make a short visit to the Blessed Sacrament in one of the churches in Paris as he made his way to an appointment. Both Vincent and Frederic discovered what the Church teaches today: the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life; it augmented their union with Jesus, strengthened their charity and committed them to the poor. (US Manual, P.31-32)

Discussion/Journal Entry: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we make the Eucharist play a prominent place in our lives, as it did in Frederic and Vincent’s?

Closing Prayer:

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of love,
-may the poor and outcasts find a place at your table.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of unity,
-may we embrace diversity with reverence and open hearts.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a bond of charity,
-may we be living signs of your presence in our midst.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a pledge of future glory,
-may you welcome home all who have died believing in you.

Amen.

Bread of Life

Reflection on the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus

Jesus is the bread from Heaven, the new manna. Jesus said: I am the bread of life, whoever eats this bread shall have eternal life.

When we eat this bread, and drink your blood, we proclaim your death, Lord, Jesus, until you come in glory.

The bread is given from above. Jesus took the bread and said, this is my body, broken for you. Jesus is our daily bread, given to us by the Father.

Give us this day our daily bread.

The bread sustains us. We are God's desert people, lost, looking for the Promised Land. How do we get there? Jesus said: I am the way; Follow me; Love my father, love one another; Do you love me, Peter? Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, grant us your peace.

The bread strengthens us to feed others. When did we see you, Jesus? When I was hungry, and you fed me. Jesus said: For whatever you have done for the least of my brothers, you have done for me.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

We are one bread, one body.

Through Jesus, the bread of life, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen.

(Source: original reflection inspired from meditation on morning of June 9, 2009)

The Feast of the Ascension (Reflection)

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

May 24, 2009

Gospel: (Mark 16:15-20)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature…These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Reflection:

Jesus expects his disciples to walk in his footsteps. But Jesus always invites us to share in his ministry, never forces us. At the Ascension, Jesus commissioned his disciples to proclaim the gospel. At first this might seem an impossible commission: how can we expect to fill Jesus’ footsteps? On our own authority we cannot preach the gospel, we can fill Jesus’ footsteps only when we hear “the instructions given through the Spirit.” What an awesome honor it is to be disciples of Christ – by returning to his rightful place at the hand of God, Jesus entrusts his mission to us. (Living Liturgy, p.136)

Vincentian Meditation:

“No work of charity is foreign to the Society.” Accordingly, the possibilities for Vincentian action are almost without limit. Being poor does not always, or necessarily, consist of being short of material goods. Being poor can also mean being physically and mentally handicapped, sick, crippled, old, ugly, or illiterate. They are poor who are or are made to feel alone…immigrants, transients, orphans, the abandoned or rejected, and all those who find themselves among others who are indifferent or hostile. Being poor may mean wanting to cry when others are laughing …being physically or morally chained, as prisoners, shut-ins, alcoholics, drug addicts - being defenseless against attacks, insults or accusations – being an innocent victim of crime or quarrels. The more the Society grows, the more it will reach the lonely and troubled who have need for care and friendship. US Manual, P.45-46)

Reflection:
Are we being called to carry the mission of Jesus in new ways, meeting new needs or creating new works of charity?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus is ever present with God, and ever present with us, and so we pray,
-Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth.
We ask for strength to continue as your faithful disciples,
-may we seek to speak your word and your healing presence.
“No work of charity is foreign to the Society”,
-may we be aware of the weak among us and seek to assist them.

Amen.

(source: Vincentian Reflections, US Council)