from our confreres

The UN World Happiness Report reveals that the largest economies, including the U.S., don’t necessarily have the happiest citizenry. While the young are less happy because of many factors, they also hold the key to turning things around.

I would like to introduce myself, as I am new to this column. My name is Ronald Ramson, C.M. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I finished High School at St. Vincent College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and then I came to Perryville in 1950 for the Novitiate program at St. Mary’s of the Barrens.

With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 193 nations, all members of the United Nations, pledged to leave no one behind. 
But it isn’t easy to “leave no one behind.” 

On Jan. 27, 2024, Fr. Patrick McDevitt, C.M., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, gave the keynote address to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston General Assembly. He spoke about Vincentian spirituality and the call to mission and service.

In the most recent article of this series, Behind at Halftime, we looked at how far behind the world finds itself in achieving the 2030 United Nations Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This program for a better world for all is built around 5 P’s: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. Another P, however, “Profit,” stands in the way of meaningful progress.

James Michael Mulhearn was born on February 17, 1942, in Independence, MO, the only child of Kenneth Francis and Marje Nell Butler Mulhearn. In a recent recording on The God Minute, Fr. Mike shared that by their example, his parents instilled in him a devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. He departed this life on Oct. 21 at his home at the Vincentian Lazarist Residence in St. Louis, MO.

Fr. Patrick McDevitt, C.M., Provincial Superior for the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, gave the following Morning Reflection to the National Board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on Oct. 14, 2023, in Atlanta, GA.

The 193 member states of the United Nations pledged to create a world of peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. A promise, almost a dream. A pledge to eliminate poverty and hunger, provide a clean environment, and a life harmonious with nature for everyone.

Many men generously gave of themselves to serve as missionaries in China and Taiwan. One such individual who was described as “joyful,” “imaginative,” and “saintly,” was Fr. Wilfrid DesLauriers, C.M., aka Fr. Des, a Canadian-born, motorcycle-riding missionary who served in China and Taiwan.

Many Vincentians served in China and endured hardships from war and political persecution. Some gave their lives in service to their mission, like Fr. Gui Tinajue, C.M., who died whille imprisoned for his beliefs and became known as “The Martyr of Charity.”