Remembering Saints Vincent and Louise:
Two Great Prophets of Charity
Written by Sister Julma Neo, DC, edited by Father Ray Van Dorpe, CM
Celebrations are a collective remembering of events that are significant for groups and communities. They bring together within a given moment the past, the present, and the future. They evoke gratitude for the past, strengthen commitment to the present, and generate hope for the future.
When we celebrate the 350th anniversary of the death of Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, it is not so much their death in itself that we want to remember, but their death as the culmination of their lives that left a mark in history. They were icons of charity. They were two great prophets of charity.
Father Dan Borlik, CM, Provincial Superior of the Southern Province, applauds recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Award.
Partners Recognized for Charism and Commitment
Members and friends of the Southern Province gathered in New Orleans in October to celebrate friendship and collaboration in works for the poor. More than 100 people attended the evening Mass and reception that recognized new Affiliate Members of the Congregation of the Mission and recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Award.
FROM THE PROVINCIAL
A New Chapter
Dear Friends in Christ,
In his column in the December 2009 newsletter, Father James Swift, CM, introduced me to you as the Provincial Superior-Elect of the new Western Pro-vince. I will begin my term as provincial when the new province – following the merger of the provinces of the West, South and Midwest – is established on January 25, 2010. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Congregation of the Mission in the western United States.
Meet Father Perry Henry, CM
Provincial Superior-Elect | Congregation of the Mission Western Province
In January, the provinces of the Midwest, South and West will merge to form a new Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission in the U.S. Father Perry Henry, CM, will lead the new province as Provincial Superior. Please join us in welcoming Fr. Perry!
Join Our Special Tribute
By Father Perry Henry, CM
As we give birth to the new Western Province on January 25, 2010, we look back on our past with grateful hearts for the many Vincentian priests and brothers who have served in a multitude of ways throughout the Southern and Midwest Provinces. At this time, I would like to especially recognize our current leaders, Father Jim Swift, CM, who has served as the Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province since May 2002, and Father Dan Borlik, CM, who has served as the Provincial Superior of the Southern Province since January 2002.
Meet: Father Jerome Herff, CM
To serve the poorest of the poor, as inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, members of the Congregation of the Mission sometimes must go out to find them. Father Jerome Herff, CM, however, doesn’t have to travel anywhere: he lives in the poorest diocese in the United States.
Kayenta, Arizona, in the northeast corner of the state, is home base for a Vincentian parish that covers more than 3,500 square miles. With typical humor, Fr. Herff says, “It’s not in the middle of nowhere, but it’s close.”
In fact, Kayenta has a reputation for being remote. “In the days when mail was carried by railroad, Kayenta was known for its post office being the furthest from any railroad station in the country – 160 miles. It’s a distinction the townspeople still identify with,” says Fr. Herff.
Obituary: Reverend Robert J. Zimney, CM
1917-2009
From the small town of LaSalle, Illiniois, the Congregation of the Mission has received a number of vocations. From the time when the Vincentians first came to St. Patrick’s Parish there in 1838, a steady stream of priests and brothers have come from that area. Robert Zimney was one of these.
Obituary: Brother Peter Baxter, CM
1916-2009
Some Vincentians are remembered for the scope and complexity of their lives of service to the Church. Their obituaries contain a long list of different assignments and a variety of ministries. Others are remembered for their faithful service to one and only one ministry, in which they served their entire community life. Brother Peter Baxter, CM, was one of the latter.
The Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.
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