contemplation - SVDP USA

Contemplation: The Holy Joy of Your Heart

In our dedication and zeal, we sometimes feel as if we cannot rest as long as there are neighbors in need of our help. As laudable as this sentiment may…

Contemplation – Do Not Grow Old With The World

Both the Society and the church celebrate our long traditions and ancient texts; both the Gospels and the Rule govern our actions; we seek models in the Saints and Blesseds…

Contemplation – There is Always Much Love Where There is Much Faith

Given that our Rule [Part I, 2.2] reminds us that our “ideal is to help relieve suffering for love alone,” it seems fair to say that the heart of our…

Contemplation: Dove-like and Holy, Perfecting the Other Virtues

“Simplicity,” St. Vincent once said, “is the virtue I love most” [CCD I:265] and our Rule lists it first among our five Essential Virtues. [Rule, Part I, 2.5.1] So what…

Contemplation: Inspirations of the Heart

The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a beautiful spiritual document. Despite what its title may lead us to believe, it is not a set of…

Contemplation: Damascus, Emmaus, and the Vincentian Pathway

One of the central tenets of our Vincentian spirituality is our call to see the face of Christ in those we serve. It seems so simple, and yet at times…

Contemplation: According To How We Use It

Formation is not a single thing we do; it is a lifelong process of becoming. In all that we read, in all that we contemplate, in all those we meet,…

Contemplation – We Do Not Have Two Lives

We understand our Vincentian vocation to be a lay vocation, not religious or clerical. Yet the laity are called to much more than charitable works and attending Mass on Sundays.…

Contemplation – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You

“Come Holy Spirit, live within our lives,” we pray to open every Conference meeting, asking to be strengthened by the first fruit of the Holy Spirit: love. But let us…

Contemplation: Through the Glass

Our Rule calls us to “seek out the poor,” [Rule, Part I, 1.5] but why should we need to seek them out? Aren’t they looking for us? Vincentians know that…