About the Series
St. Vincent de Paul encouraged five particular traits in his comrades: simplicity, meekness, mortification, humility and zeal. Come discover the stories of these virtues and how they are alive in the daily experiences of those around us. Throughout the 40 days of Lent, a new story will be posted daily. See how the everyday practices of being honest, approachable, self-disciplined, realistic and hardworking, in the spirit of St. Vincent, can transform your own life and the lives of others.
Holy Week: What Would You Do?
A Mindwalk from Deidre Noonan As Holy Week begins, on Palm Sunday, we hear the first version of the Passion. Have you really read it? Have you placed yourself in each character? What would you do? The Anointing As Jesus is reclining at the table, in the house...
Transfigured
Deirdre Noonan writes: Each Sunday my family has a ritual. We go to mass, come home, my 19 year old son makes us breakfast and we talk, usually about whatever the homily was about. Recently, the gospel was the story of the transfiguration.
Lent: a Campaign of Christian Service?
I had never considered Lent as a season of service. We traditionally think of Lent as prayer, fasting and almsgiving. How does this work as a campaign (project?) of service?
He Gets Us
Deidre Noonan writes: Fr. John Freund has shared his mindwalks over the years. His request is that we, if we wish, share our reflections. Here is my attempt. I would love to read what is on your mind too. He gets us. If you saw the Superbowl last week, you may have...
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. But hear me out. Actually, it is not that hard.
Why Am I a Vincentian Priest?
Whatever the language, there is the vision and culture that calls me and supports me in my life as a Vincentian priest. These five values bind us together as followers of Christ the Evangelizer of the Poor and a band of brothers.
Did Jesus Contradict Himself?
The editors of Commonweal caught my attention! The editorial titled “Advemt in a Time of War” I had never thought the impllications of the following…
Why Did I Create Mindwalk?
I wanted to welcome you to my parlor or kitchen table... whichever you prefer. Either hopefully conveys a space where people feel comfortable in talking with friends that matter, about things that matter. I chose the title Mindwalk because it was a way of capturing...
How What I Dreaded Became a Source of Life
It was a moment I think most of us dreaded. In the later stages of formation some 60 years ago I remember hearing the words “Mr. Freund please”. The words came from the Superior’s bench in both the Novitiate and the Major Seminary. Whoever was called had to...
Thank you! May we use our alertness to glorify God while serving our brothers and sisters!
Ed Ambrose