VINCENTIAN VOICES
Vincentian Voices is a digital newsletter that features priestly reflections, Vincentian news, profiles, videos, social posts, and much more. This content is centered on the Eastern Province Vincentian family—both religious and laity alike.
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2025
Our Current Issue of Vincentian Voices
September 11, 2025
Thank you for opening Vincentian Voices today. This is the newsletter of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province. This week, school begins for our seminarians, as well as the students of Niagara and St. John’s universities. Also, Fr. Steve Grozio, CM, shares stories and photos from his recent trip to Vietnam. Let’s begin!
A
message
from
Father
Steve
Grozio,
CM
Dear friends,
This week, we look to the life and example of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam for inspiration. I was struck by a quote in an article by Javier Chento in FAMVIN NEWS. In the face of opposition, mockery, and distrust, Ozanam wrote, “Above all else, let us learn how to defend our convictions without hating our adversaries, to love those who have a different opinion, to recognize the fact that Christians have many and varied viewpoints and that God can be served today as always. Let us complain less about our era and more about ourselves; let us feel less discouraged and let us strive to be better human beings” (Letter to Alexandre Dufieux, April 9, 1851). Ozanam’s advice can help us as we navigate today’s political climate. To read the September edition of the FAMVIN NEWS, click here.
Pictures Which You May Recognize from Vietnam
On the grounds of the seminary in Da Lat, Vietnam, we noticed a very familiar sculpture. Apparently, confreres who have studied at our Vincentian universities in the United States were impressed by the statue of St. Vincent speaking with the students and have adapted it to their own setting. Click here to see it.
Can you recognize this building on the grounds of the provincial office in Vietnam? If you guessed that it is a replica of St. Vincent’s family home in Berceau, you are correct. Inside, they have a Vincentian museum.
Niagara University to honor the Vincentian Community
In recognition of the 400th Anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission, Niagara University will present the Ozanam Medal [given to those who exemplify the mission and charity of St. Vincent de Paul] to the Province at the President’s Dinner on Wednesday, November 5. All are invited to attend, especially those who studied at Niagara. Click on the following link for more information about the President’s Dinner: https://www.niagara.edu/support-nu/presidents-dinner/.
Bishop David O’Connell, CM, to Speak at St. John’s University
The Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University is hosting two major programs during the 2025-2026 school year. On Monday, September 22, the Vincentian Heritage Lecture 2025 will be given by Bishop David O’Connell, CMCM, JCD, Bishop of Trenton. It will deal with St. Vincent and Education. To register, click here.
A Post of the Nuntia Express
[The Nuntia provides updates on Vincentians from around the globe.]
Click here to read a recent post from the Nuntia Express, including coverage on organ donation, the life of Sr. Clemencia, the significance of Ordinary Time, the Jubilee 2025 journey, and the Assumption of Mary as a symbol of hope.
May God bless you in the week ahead, and may Our Lady wrap you in her love and grace, drawing you closer to her Son.
Yours in St. Vincent,
Fr. Steve Grozio, CM
Provincial, Congregation of the Mission, Eastern Province
Vinsights
Vincentian Insights from the Province
Fr. John Freund, CM
“Serving the poor demands a change of intellectual framework that will allow us to set aside all forms of crippling immobility in which we simply repeat what was done yesterday.”
Fr. Pat Griffin, CM
“Note what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount. He has not come to do away with the law or any part of it but to perfect it. We need to understand its application and its function.”
Support the work of the Vincentians!
The Vincentian Priests and Brothers of the Eastern Province serve those on the margins in areas often forgotten by the world.
Your gift will support the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and the great work of the Vincentian priests, brothers, and seminarians who serve across the eastern United States and Panama. Your support ensures the Vincentians continue their mission to help those in most need.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We are extremely grateful for your support.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia covers dedication of the Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine
Fr. Patrick Obot, CM, and Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, were featured by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s CatholicPhilly digital news agency. They, alongside Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and many more, gathered at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal to bless and dedicate the new Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine, a project of The Basilica Shrine’s associate rector Deacon James Mahoney.
From our Vincentian universities
Trivia time!
1. For the fourth time in the past year, which country will be seeking a new prime minister?
2. In which city did Frédéric Ozanam die?
3. How many taps would a pub need to properly pour a traditional Irish porter in a “high-low” fashion?
last week’s results
1. Which country’s Supreme Court is deciding the verdict and sentencing of its former president on allegations that he led a conspiracy to stay in power after losing the country’s 2022 election?
17 guesses
9 correct answers
2. Approximately how much of the United States’ workforce do immigrants make up?
13 guesses
9 correct answers
3. What is considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize?
7 guesses
5 correct answers
Prayer requests
Please pray for the repose of the souls of:
All the Vincentian Priests and Brothers who have gone before us
Please remember in your prayers:
Our sick brothers and priests
Our confreres in St. Catherine’s Infirmary
All those affected by war
All those affected by natural disasters
All victims of violence and their families
We want to hear from you!
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