By Rita St. Pierre, National Spirituality Committee Chair
In the Spring 2025 issue of The Well, Marge McGinley used a truly inspired image to help us understand Vincentian formation –the importance of football players understanding various formations in their playbook.
Indeed, as we strive to live our Vincentian vocation, with prayer to the Holy Spirit, we also must understand our “playbook,” be “formed.” Ongoing learning in all areas of our Vincentian life is crucial to help us maintain our focus, guiding us to serve with compassion and zeal. Spiritual Advisors and Formators who commit to ongoing personal formation will be better able to provide whatever other Vincentians need for their life of service.
Primary to our vocation is to see the face of Christ in the poor, and to be Christ for them. Pope Francis wrote a beautiful reflection, Dilexit Nos (He loved us), that deepens our desire to see with the eyes of Christ. (Click the link below to read the Pope’s reflection).
Pope Francis notes: “We are invited to ponder and to rest in the “gaze” of Jesus, the one who sees us.” He includes several Scripture references that tell how Jesus saw people and how he responded with compassion and love, thereby showing us how we can do the same.
This reflection from Pope Francis and its Scripture references would be wonderful for use within a conference or council meeting, a Vincentian retreat, and certainly for personal prayer and reflection.
I did not see the link to read Pope Francis’ reflection.