from our confreres

Ghebre-Michael worked for years in 19th-century Ethiopia with Fr. Justin de Jacobis, C.M., who ordained him a priest. He died before his studies were completed due to months of torture he endured after his arrest by local authorities, but Jacobis still called him a Vincentian because, “…in his heart, he already beloned to the Congregation.”

To understand the “forest” that is poverty, for example, we need to be aware of the interaction of the trees that make it up. This approach drives us to a deeper analysis of all the inter-connected issues and problems we must address to build a healthy and peaceful society for all.

His reputation as a preacher and his personal devotion to prayer led some in authority to mention the possibility of ordaining Justin a bishop, a position he did not want.

As a prelude to a series of article launching next month commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Vincentians service in China, we offer the story of St. Francis Regis Clet, C.M., a Vincentian martyr who gave his life while serving as a missionary in 19th century China.

Seventy FamVin members gathered in Seville this month to discuss how to accompany refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as part of Famvin Homeless Alliance’s commitment to respond creatively to the needs of homeless persons.

In addition to the six members of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province Class of ’82 celebrating their 40-year jubilees in 2022, four priests are celebrating 25 and 50 years: Fr. David Nations, C.M.; Fr. Paul Sisul, C.M.; Fr. Bernie Quinn, C.M.; and Fr. Mike Walsh, C.M.

Last Monday I had dinner with Robert Emanuel and his wife at the Vincentian Residence in Chicago. Robert will start as president of DePaul on 1 August 2022. It was a delight to meet him and his wife.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Chris, one of the guys in the house where I live, suggested we participate in a neighborhood campaign of putting a sign in our yard reading, “Help each other.”