June 26, 2025
Thank you for opening Vincentian Voices today. This is the newsletter of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province. Tomorrow, July 18, marks the day Our Blessed Mother first appeared to St. Catherine Labouré. The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal is hosting its Miraculous Day of Giving. Be on the lookout for CAMM’s emails, videos, and social media. Can you make a gift here? Any amount helps, and we all thank you. Let’s begin.
A
message
from
Father
Steve
Grozio,
CM
Last week, the Provincial Council met in Cape May for its annual planning meeting. The main purpose of these board meetings was to conduct reviews and to address other matters that may have been raised.
Internal Seminary
This year we hope to welcome a seminarian from the Province of Slovenia and another from the Province of Portugal into the program. Both are currently finalizing the process to obtain their visas. Please pray for our seminarians and for an increase in vocations to the Vincentian priesthood and brotherhood.
Changes at the UN
Our Superior General announced that Jim Claffey has completed his term of office as the CM representative to the United Nations. Fr. Tomaž has appointed Fr. Ferdinand Labitag, CM, to replace Jim starting in the new year. Fr. Tomaž has also asked Fr. Gervais Lévis Kamwa Kouam, CM, who resides in Brooklyn while he studies at St. John’s University, to take on this role on a part-time basis until Fr. Labitag arrives. We are grateful to Jim for all the work he has done for the Congregation and to Fr. Gervais for his willingness to fill in for a few months. We also look forward to welcoming Fr. Labitag when he arrives in the new year.
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
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The Vincentian Priests and Brothers of the Eastern Province serve those on the margins in areas often forgotten by the world.
Our world’s most poor and in need have received care and assistance from the Congregation of the Mission for 400 years. Please consider making a gift to the Vincentians here.
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.
Pope Francis sends his message to the Congregation of the Mission for the 400th anniversary of its founding
Pope Francis celebrates our 400th anniversary in a message to Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM.
The Holy Father emphasized the importance of missionary discipleship and Christ’s love for the poor. There is also a reflection on the Congregation’s growth, spiritual heritage, apostolic zeal, and a hope the anniversary will inspire young people to serve the needy and marginalized.
Pope Francis highlights the enduring impact of Vincentian spirituality, urging a renewed commitment to St. Vincent’s vision for the revitalization of the Church and support for the poor.
Vinsights
Vincentian Insights from the Province
Fr. Tom McKenna, CM
“Jesus turns to Peter: ‘Who is it that you say I am?’ … For all of us, this famous encounter raises the issue of listening, better ‘deep listening.’ Do we try for that in our prayer?”
Fr. Pat Griffin, CM
“I love the idea that a newborn child finds comfort on resting against the chest of his/her mother because he/she can hear and feel her heartbeat that is so familiar. Could it have been any different for Jesus?”
From our Vincentian universities
Support the work of the Vincentians!
Trivia time!
1. In law, what term means substantial and intentional interference with another person’s right of ownership over their personal property?
2. What was the name of St. Vincent’s mother?
3. Who fell off a stage during a concert on July 11?
last week’s results
1. How many chord changes are in the 16-bar theme of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” helping make it a landmark piece in jazz?
11 guesses
1 correct answer
2. Who is the head of government in Ireland, holding the most power?
9 guesses
4 correct answer
3. What is the center of attention at an annual event held in Minneapolis every June?
8 guesses
3 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