February 21, 2023
So Said Saint Vincent
"One beautiful diamond is worth more than a mountain of stones, and one virtuous act of acquiescence and submission is better than an abundance
of good works done for others "
— St. Vincent de Paul
VinSights
Vincentian Insights from the Province
Fr. John Freund, CM
Connecting Dots:
Lent, Valentine’s Day, and
Systemic Change
At first glance, it may seem like quite a stretch to connect Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, and Systemic Change. 
Lent is about removing the scales from our eyes, so we can be more aware of God's love and Easter joy. Read Fr. Freund's reflection HERE.
Fr. Tom McKenna, CM
Higher (Matthew 5:38-48)
There’s a phrase from the sports world, “setting a high bar.” It means raising the height of the jump just beyond the mark the athlete thinks he can clear. If there ever was someone setting a high bar set in life — Christian life — it is Jesus in Matthew’s 5th chapter. Read Fr. McKenna's reflection HERE.

Fr. Patrick Griffin, CM
A Vincentian View:
The Eucharist and Vatican II
Synodality continues as an important focus for Pope Francis this year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) promotes a National Eucharistic Revival. And, as Pope Francis anticipates the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, he encourages study and reflection on the four Constitutions written by the Council. Truly, an abundance of riches.
Special VinSight

Daring to Follow Christ: A Lenten Reflection

In one of his Lenten Letters as Superior General, Fr. Robert Maloney, CM, a Vincentian of the Eastern Province, wrote:
“Historically, Lent has always been a moment of radical decisions: when catechumens stepped forward to follow Christ; when Christians chose to do penance for their sins; when penitents undertook the long fast. May I ask you to dare this Lent? … I suggest
that we be daring, among other things, in regard to the traditional Lenten works: fasting, almsgiving, and prayer." Click here to read Fr. Maloney's presentation. 
News|Notes
Miraculous Medal Shrine
Elevated to Minor Basilica Status
The Miraculous Medal Shrine, a ministry of Vincentian Priests and Brothers, Eastern Province, USA, has been elevated by the Vatican to Minor Basilica status, a designation
shared by only 91 other churches in the United States. Read the story here.
Lenten Letter 2023
Superior General, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM,
Letter to the Vincentian Family

“Making our families and communities a foretaste of heaven”
In Fr. Tomaž's Lenten letter, he reflects on how Saint Vincent teaches us ways to apply the Trinity’s model of relationships in our family, community, group, team. Read Fr. Tomaž letter Here.
A Lenten Journey through the
Apparitions of the Blessed Mother
Video Series:
February 22-April 9, 2023

Each year during Lent, The Miraculous Medal Shrine, in collaboration with the Vincentian of the Eastern Province, presents an original video series to inspire Catholics through their personal and spiritual Lenten journey during this time of prayer, reflection, charity, and sacrifice. This year, we will focus on the guidance Our Blessed Mother has bestowed upon us through her 16, Vatican-recognized earthly apparitions.
Meet Fr. Gregory Gay, CM 
Give me 5 is a monthly series in Vincentian Voices where we ask five random questions to an Eastern Province Priest or Brother. This month, we talk with Fr. G. Gregory Gay, CM, from the Panama ministry. To read Father's answers click HERE.

Foundation Day Liturgy Celebrates Origin of Vincentian Charism

St. Vincent de Paul was filled with a passion to meet the material and spiritual needs of persons who were poor. That Vincentian charism, celebrated annually during the liturgical year on January 25—the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle—was highlighted in a Foundation Day liturgy that marked the 406th anniversary of the founding of the Vincentian charism. Read the article in full HERE.
Niagara University Celebrated as Educational Organization of the Year

Niagara University has been named as one of a select group of companies recognized by Buffalo Business First for its outstanding work in 2022. The publication cited the university’s investment in faculty and capital projects, its addition of programs and students at its Ontario campus, and its growing year-over-year enrollment, despite a national trend of enrollment declines as highlights of the year. Read the article in full HERE.
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. This includes pastoring the poorest of parishes, prison ministry, addiction recovery, immigrant and migrant services, and much more.
Fr. Rooney's most popular Vincentian Minute video from the past month is titled,
Windows on St. Vincent's Vision - Wounds
Fr. Rooney finishes his exploration of Jack Melito, CM's inquiries into the
experiences that shaped St. Vincent de Paul's life.
That's Very Vincentian
Giving Tuesday: February 21st
Support the Vincentian, Eastern Province Ministries
Give hope to those in need in your community and around the world by donating to the Vincentians of the Eastern Province ministries.
For more than 400 years, the Vincentians have given hope by addressing today’s most dire challenges faced by people who struggle with poverty, hunger, homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. We are 100% donor-supported, and it is through your generosity that the Vincentians provide ministries that help to restore the lives of individuals and families. Learn more by clicking here.
A Very Vincentian Poem

The Poor

The poor are many
and so—
impossible to forget.

No doubt,
as day breaks,
they see the buildings
where they wish
they could live with their children.

They
can steady the coffin
of a constellation on their shoulders.
They can wreck
the air like furious birds,
blocking out the sun.

But not knowing these gifts,
they enter and exit through mirrors of blood,
walking and dying slowly.

And so,
one cannot forget them.

Photo by: Taufiq Klinkenborg
Comic by Fr. Al Pehrsson, CM
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