
Around the Province
A home for stories, spiritual reflections, videos, and news from the Vincentians of the Eastern Province (Congregation of the Mission), along with posts about collaborators in the Vincentian Family (FamVin).

Homelessness – Our Heritage and Challenge
As we approach the feast of St. Vincent de Paul we can draw strength and be challenged by all that St. Vincent did.
Continue Reading“He has sent me to evangelize the poor” (Luke 4:18)

Shocking Statements!!
Heard any really “shocking statements” in the last 24 hours? What is the most radical or shocking statement you hear… but maybe do not consider shocking?
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Distraction… or Insight?
Last Sunday, I was in my usual concelebrant’s seat on the right side of the sanctuary. After communion, I admit to being distracted by watching the line of people coming up to receive the Body of Christ.
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Do You Have Memories of Your Grandparents?
My personal relationship with my grandparents is complicated. I never knew either my father’s or mother’s parents. Yet I know more about my great grandparents than just about anyone reading these words.
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Wisdom as a Gift
Who is the wisest person you know? Fr. John Freund, CM delves into people in our lives who help open our eyes to something in ourselves we have…
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Stop – Look – Listen… Rules For Our Roads
Celebrating 57 years of priesthood, Fr. Freund reflects on how many roads he has crossed, is crossing, and still has to cross as he reviews his life using the metaphor of the “rules of the road”.
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Asking the Right Questions About Social Media
In his new blog post, Fr. John Freund, CM, whether you and I are getting social media right
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Jesus Drew the Best Out of Ordinary People
Jesus spent much of his time forming a team filled with a sense of common mission. What’s more, they were so different from one another. Fr. John Freund…
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“Insiders” With Closed Minds; “Outsiders” Who Were Open
I don’t think I can ever again read Luke’s account of Jesus’ rejection in his hometown (4:21-30) without thinking of Pope Francis’ homily.
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Give Me Five!
A monthly series in Vincentian Voices where we ask five random questions to an Eastern Province Priest or Brother. We talk with Fr. John Freund, CM, who in…
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Nuns or Sisters?
Nuns and sisters? Are they the same? Many would say there is no difference. There is actually a big difference and St. Vincent de Paul is responsible for…
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“Vincent’s Secret Sauce” — Further Thoughts
The visitors to Vincentian Mindwalk have been discussing what Vincent’s “Secret Sauce” was. The conversation involves people from Italy and Great Britain, through New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco,…
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The Upper Room in Jerusalem – A “Thin Place”
Fr. Michael Shea, C.M., Associate Director of the Miraculous Medal, Shrine reflects on Pentecost through the lens of some Irish mystics. The Most Important Room in Christendom The Irish mystics talk…
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Stepping Back To See More Clearly!
In his weekly column for FamVin former Provincial Fr. Michael Carroll, CM, reflects on Vincentians as “social poets” on behalf of the homeless. Poets who help us step…
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Pentecost and Our Mental Maps
“Go out to the whole world” Those present at Pentecost were “fired up” by their experience. They boldly set forth to bring Good News to all. But there…
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What is the Most Important Room in the World?
The Oval Office, Buckingham Palace? … Would you believe a simple “upper room” in Jerusalem! Why? Because in that room on the day we call Pentecost, the most powerful movement…
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