#vincentian

[neptunejheart]

Hello. I am alive.

I am growing. I am doing this damn Earth thing.

I've missed myself for so long. I've been slowly but surely coming back home to myself. I've missed me. I wanted to create more so here I am.

That is it for now.

[caribbeanvibesblog]

[locustheologicus]

Brooklyn Charity: A Diocesan/Vincentian Partnership

There was Catholic Charity in Brooklyn before it was a diocese, before it was a city, and long before the day that Father William J. White was named the first diocesan supervisor of Catholic Charities.

This is the opening line to the "History of Catholic Charities: Diocese of Brooklyn." Monsignor William White would eventually be given the task to coordinate the various charitable activities of Brooklyn on April 1st, 1899 but records show that the earliest Catholic institution to promote charity in Brooklyn took place on October 1829. Responding to the needs of orphans The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum Society was formed in Brooklyn and an instrumental partner in the housing of these "foundlings" was Elizabeth Ann Seton's Sisters of Charity, a religious community of women who adapted the Vincentian rule.

Of course it must be recognized that the care of orphans, besides being one of the oldest biblical works of mercy along with the care of widows and foreigners, was the earliest charitable program of St. Vincent DePaul's himself. in 1638 St. Vincent, alongside St. Louise de Marillac and her sisters, would organize safe lodging for the orphabed children of Paris. St. Vincent would establish a rule for the daughters of charity based on this charitable mission.

They will reflect that their ministry is to serve the Infant Jesus in the person of each baby they are raising, and in this they have the honor of doing what the Blessed Virgin did to her dear Son, since He affirms that the service rendered to the least of His people is rendered to Himself. In accordance with that, they will do their utmost to raise these poor children with as much attention and respect as if it were to the very person of Our Lord.” (Vincent DePaul, n.d., 13b: 209)

Eventually the diocese would take shape in 1853 when Bishop John Loughlin was installed. Loughlin established an enduring legacy for the role that charity would have in this diocese. In some ways he was a maverick who prioritized charitable programs over the development of its own Cathedral which remained fairly humble. It appears that he was a thorn of the side to Archbishop Michael Corrigan (who was portrayed having issues with another champion of charity, Mother Cabrini in the recent movie "Cabrini") for Loughlin's unwavering support of charity and social justice when Corrigan wanted to play nice with the powers that be. Throughout this entire time the Vincentians were a perfect partner in crime. In 1855 Loughlin supported the foundation of a St. Vincent DePaul conference. At that time the society had only existed for 20 years. Bishop Loughlin was no stranger to the spirituality and gifts of this community. As a young priest in New York he sponsored the first conference into the city. With charity as a central focus of the Brooklyn Catholic community (at that time engulfing all of Long Island) the the relationship between the developing diocese and the Vincentian community was an obvious one.

The tie that binds our two Catholic institutions is our commitment to institutional charity. The field of social work originates from this orientation. While charity is a core value for all Catholics, it was the works of Sts. Vincent and Louise and the community that followed which took seriously the institutionalization of our social ministries. The Vincentian charism challenges us to see Christ in the face of those in need and what this means for our social ministries. Bl. Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the St. Vincent DePaul Societies, continued developing the social ministry framework that is crucial for us today.

Almsgiving alone, alms that are not accompanied by words and love, is a humiliation for the one who receives it. Do we need to remember that man does not live by bread alone, that the Savior himself does not only ask to be clothed and fed in the person of the poor, but also visited and consoled? Will we have to expose everything that the masters of charity up to St. Vincent de Paul have taught us about the delicate behavior that takes into account the legitimate susceptibility of the poor?

St. Vincent DePaul and the diocese of Brooklyn may have started with addressing the needs of the orphans but it did not end there. Sts. Vincent and Louise organized centers of care and hospitality for refugees. They provided assistance to many who were displaced. They organized food distribution and soup kitchens. They also provided for education and job training. Today the Vincentian community is a worlwide phenomenon established in the service industries, of social work, health care, and education. They continue to be recognized for their ongoing prison and parish social ministries. They are now leaders in the field of promoting systemic change with creative microlending projects like St. John's G.L.O.B.E initiative.

As already mentioned, in 1899 Bishop McDonnell re-organized the charitable ministries in the Brooklyn Diocese and institutionalized our Catholic Charities agency. By 1913 when Brooklyn Catholic Charities had its second director, Fr. Francis O'Hara, Catholic Charities had nearly fifty charitable institutions. Today, under the leadership of the 8th Bishop of Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan and CCBQ's present CEO Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn runs 160 programs including food distributions, case management, migrant assistance, ESL, workforce development, behavioral health, early childhood programs, housing for seniors and the disabled.

But as we celebrate our 125th anniversary we dare not forget that all this effort began through an essential partnership with our Vincentian brothers and sisters. There is an amazing convergence between the mission of our two organizations. As we celebrate this milestone we do it stretching our hand to our dear friends in order to make sure that we continue to serve this legacy together.

[vippix]

#HappyBirthday Kyo! #VIPPix #RunThisJungle #VIPPhotoStudio #child #childmodel #childshoot #kidsofinstagram #posterchild #vincentian #Vincy #caribbean #islandlife #canon #canon5dmarkiv #canon2470mm #godoxad400 #godox #offcameraflash #three #thirdbirthday #Confetti #jacket #purple #boots https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsmusnOqNg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sharlbranch]

A lil (late) Good Friday horror comic.

There's a well known superstition that one must never go swimming, or even to the beach on Good Friday because without fail someone has drowned.

there was a discussion on caribbean Twitter talking about making a horror short story/film about this superstition and I couldn't get it out of my head, so this was my take on it!

experimenting with black and white and watercolour brushes in fresco!

[romances-not-tragedies]

"He has a habit," Sadi Ratan told him.

"Who?" asked Jo, sounding uninterested though he felt otherwise.

"Our...client," the lieutenant answered hesitantly. It was odd thinking of the Chinese mestizo as their client since the night they had saved him and Isidro Alcantara had compelled them to work on the young man's case...together. "It seems that he is always reaching for something under the collar."

Jo blew out a smoke after having taken a long drag from his brown-papered cigarette. "Do you suspect something?"

"Why would I say anything if it is not suspicious, Señor Gar?" asked Sadi Ratan, a bit irritated. "Madre de Dios, I do not know why I have to tell you."

Probably to show off, Jo thought to himself. Typical Lieutenant Sadi Ratan, wanting to prove to Jo that he was right. Still, having watched how the lieutenant had been observing the young survivor over the past few days as the survivor recovered from a beating, he suspected that the man had more secrets than they had believed.

Miguel Chua, Jo observed, slid his fingers under the collar of his shirt and it was as if he was reaching for something. Anxiety etched his face, followed by relief when he must have found what he was looking for before withdrawing the digits from under the collar.

Miguel turned to them and asked, "What now?" Exasperation colored his voice. He had always been acting annoyed towards them since they had approached him and offered to solve his case. While he was grateful for their help, he still regarded them with suspicion.

"Forgive us, Señor Chua," began Jo, "but I hope you don't mind what you are reaching out under the collar of your shirt."

"So the devil himself would snatch it away from me?" Miguel asked sarcastically, eyeing Sadi Ratan with distaste.

"For the love of--" Sadi Ratan sputtered as he tried to answer him. Ever since they had met, the young Chinese mestizo had considered Sadi Ratan with annoyance and disdain the same way the lieutenant had regarded the Chinese with equal disdain. "Why would you think that I would take it away from you?"

"So you would boast of the accuracy of your suspicions," fired back Miguel, "which amounts to nada."

"Basta," Jo reprimanded them with a raised hand to stop them coming to blows. "Señor Chua, if you please, we would like to know what it is you are keeping with you."

"Fine," Miguel Chua huffed, but complied with Jo's request anyway. The young survivor slid his fingers under the collar of his shirt and produced what appeared to be a pendant of a small oval shape. Both Jo and Sadi Ratan approached the young man to take stock of the small pendant--no, medallion--that Miguel had been keeping with him.

The front of the medallion depicted the image of the Virgin Mary, hands spread and rays of light radiating from her open hands, the inscription in Latin that Jo recognized (in his painfully limited Latin) as a prayer of intercession to the Virgin Mary and the year 1830 under the image of Mary. The young man turned the medallion to the back. A large "M" interlocked with the cross and bar above it and under it were two hearts, one with a crown of thorns and another piereced with a dagger, with flames above them. To finish it up, stars framed them.

He must have heard Sadi Ratan suck in a gasp, and grow still.

"Where did you get it from, Señor Chua?" asked Jo. He was in awe with the man who must have had kept his faith while he, Jo Gar, had eschewed it in favor of cold logic.

"My friend," Miguel said, his eyes dimming. "He gave it to me one night. And then..." The young man stilled as he let go of the medallion and let his hand fall on one side. "I do not know what happened next. He was gone. They said someone took him in the midst of the riots. But I do not want to believe it."

I'm sorry, Jo wanted to tell Miguel. He had known what it was like to lose a friend. Yet it was worse with Miguel Chua, as he had not known what had befallen his friend, who had disappeared for almost two years.

Jo turned to Sadi Ratan, who grew pale at the mention of the riots that happened two years ago. He had known why, though he chose to keep the reason to himself.

"Why did he give the medallion to you?" demanded Sadi Ratan, though Jo might have picked up the confusion laced through his question. "Did he have any reason why he would simply entrust you with it?"

Miguel hardened his jaw at the tone of the question. When he answered, there was a bite in his tone. "He is my friend, Lieutenant Ratan. Perhaps it is not enough for you, but there you have it. He would rather entrust this one to me than to anyone else, not even his father."

"His father?" repeated the lieutenant, shocked and disoriented by the mention.

"I cannot say much about his father," the young survivor answered, "except that he was a man you do not want to fuck with. Too ruthless for anyone's taste, even for my family's." He wanted to say more, Jo noted, but it became obvious that Miguel Chua would rather not say more about his disappeared friend's father. Something flickered in the young man's eyes as his dark eyes focused on the lieutenant as he discussed about his friend's father's character, something akin to suspicion.

It confused Jo. What did his friend's father have to do with the lieutenant? Then he remembered the time when they had saved him from certain death, and Miguel had called Sadi Ratan the name of his friend. Raul? the faint shock in Miguel's voice still heard in his head, followed by what he thought was not-quite fluent Cebuano, and the lieutenant's confusion and subsequent denial following it.

Jo had no idea where this case would head. And he didn't like it.

Not one bit at all.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Antigua St Vincent Mix Butterfly: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Fashion

The Antigua St Vincent Mix Butterfly is a captivating blend of two distinct Caribbean butterfly species, combining the unique characteristics of butterflies native to Antigua and St Vincent. This

Buy now:19.95$

hypothetical hybrid showcases the vibrant biodiversity of the Caribbean islands and the potential for cross-island pollination.

This imaginary butterfly boasts a striking appearance, with wings that display a mesmerizing fusion of colors and patterns. The upper wings might feature the bold, tropical hues typical of Antiguan butterflies, while the lower wings could exhibit the intricate designs found on St Vincent's native species. This results in a visually stunning insect that captures the essence of both islands' natural beauty.

The Antigua St Vincent Mix Butterfly would likely demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in various Caribbean ecosystems. Its diet might consist of nectar from flowers native to both islands, making it an important pollinator for a wide range of plant species.

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Lepidopterists and nature enthusiasts would be particularly intrigued by this unique butterfly, as it would represent a fascinating subject for study in terms of genetics, adaptation, and island ecology. Its existence could potentially shed light on the interconnectedness of Caribbean ecosystems and the effects of climate change on insect populations in the region.

While this mixed butterfly is purely fictional, it serves as an intriguing concept that highlights the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean and the potential for unexpected natural hybridization in island environments. It also underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect the unique flora and fauna of these tropical paradises.

Antiguan and Vincentian roots represent the rich cultural heritage of two distinct Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These roots are deeply intertwined with the islands' histories, shaped by indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, European colonization, and African influences brought by the slave trade.

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Both cultures share similarities in their vibrant music, with calypso and soca rhythms pulsing through their traditions. Their cuisines feature local ingredients like breadfruit, saltfish, and tropical fruits, creating unique flavors that reflect their island environments.

Antiguan and Vincentian roots also encompass a strong sense of community, resilience in the face of historical adversity, and a connection to the natural beauty of their islands. While each nation maintains its distinct identity, their shared Caribbean heritage creates a bond that transcends national borders.

Butterfly gifts for her offer a delightful array of options that capture feminine charm and natural beauty. These might include elegant butterfly-themed jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. Home décor items like butterfly-patterned throw pillows, wall art, or delicate wind chimes can add a touch of whimsy to her living space. For fashion enthusiasts, butterfly-adorned scarves, handbags, or hair

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accessories make stylish presents. Other thoughtful options include butterfly-inspired garden ornaments, stationery sets, or fragrant candles, all celebrating the grace and symbolism of these enchanting creatures.

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC The Patron Saint of Social Workers Feast Day: March 15

Louise de Marillac (aka Louise Le Gras) was born out of wedlock on August 12, 1592 near Le Meux, now in the department of Oise, in Picardy.

She never knew her mother. Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferrires claimed her as his natural daughter yet not his legal heir. Louis was a member of the prominent de Marillac family and was a widower at the time of Louise's birth. Her uncle, Michel de Marillac, was a major figure in the court of Queen Marie de' Medici and, though Louise was not a member of the Queen's court, she lived and worked among the French aristocracy. When her father married his new wife, Antoinette Le Camus, she refused to accept Louise as part of their family. Thus, Louise grew up amid the affluent society of Paris, but without a stable home life. Nevertheless, she was cared for and received an excellent education at the royal monastery of Poissy near Paris, where her aunt was a Dominican nun.

Louise remained at Poissy until her father's death, when she was twelve years old. She then stayed with a devout spinster, from whom she learned household management skills as well as the secrets of herbal medicine. Around the age of fifteen, Louise felt drawn to the cloistered life. She later made application to the Capuchin nuns in Paris but was refused admission. It is not clear if her refusal was for her continual poor health or other reasons, but her spiritual director assured her that God had 'other plans' for her.

During civil unrest, her two uncles who held high rank within the government were imprisoned. One was publicly executed, and the other died in prison. Around 1621, Antoine contracted a chronic illness and eventually became bedridden. Louise nursed and cared for him and their child. In 1623, when illness was wasting Antoine, depression was overcoming Louise. In addition, she suffered for years with internal doubt and guilt for having not pursued the religious calling she had felt as a young woman. She was fortunate to have a wise and sympathetic counsellor, Francis de Sales, then in Paris, and then his friend, the bishop of Belley.

In 1623, at 32, she wrote:

"On the feast of Pentecost during Holy Mass or while I was praying in the church, my mind was completely freed of all doubt. I was advised that I should remain with my husband and that the time would come when I would be in the position to make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and that I would be in a small community where others would do the same…I felt that it was God who was teaching me these things and that, believing there is a God, I should not doubt the rest."

She vowed not to remarry if her husband died before her. She also believed that she had received the insight that she would be guided to a new spiritual director whose face she was shown. When she happened to meet Vincent de Paul, she recognized him as the priest from her vision.

Antoine died in 1625. Widowed and lacking financial means, she had to move. Vincent lived near her new dwelling. At first, he was reluctant to be her confessor, as he was busy with his Confraternities of Charity. Members were aristocratic ladies of charity, who were helping him nurse the poor and look after neglected children, a real need of the day, but the ladies were busy with many of their own concerns and duties. His work needed many more helpers, especially ones who were peasants themselves and so would be closer to the poor. He also needed someone who could teach and organize them.

She found great success in these endeavors. Then, in 1632, Louise made a spiritual retreat. Her intuition led her to understand that it was time to intensify her ministry with poor and needy persons. Louise, now forty-two years old, communicated this objective to Monsieur Vincent.

In 17th-century France, the charitable care of the poor was completely unorganized. The Ladies of Charity, founded by Vincent years earlier, provided some care and monetary resources, but it was far from enough. They had the funds to aid poor people, but they did not have the time or temperament to live a life of service among the poor.

Vincent and Louise realized that direct service of the poor was not easy for the nobility or the bourgeoisie because of social class. The women took meals, distributed clothing and gave care and comfort. They visited the slums dressed in beautiful dresses next to people considered to be peasants. The tension, between the ideal of service and social constraints, was real. Besides, the families of the ladies often opposed the works. It soon became clear that many of the ladies were unfit to cope with the actual conditions.

The need of organization in work for the poor suggested to de Paul the forming of a confraternity among the women of his parish in Châtillon-les-Dombes. It was so successful that it spread from the rural districts to Paris, where noble ladies often found it hard to give personal care to the needs of the poor. The majority sent their servants to minister to those in need, but often, the work was considered unimportant. Vincent de Paul remedied it by referring young women who inquired about serving persons in need to go to Paris and devote themselves to the ministry under the direction of the Ladies of Charity. These young girls formed the nucleus of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

Louise found the help she needed in young, humble country women, who had the energy and the proper attitude to deal with people weighed down by destitution and suffering. She began working with a group of them and saw a need for common life and formation. Consequently, she invited four country girls to live in her home in the Rue des Fosses‐Saint‐Victor and began training them to care for those in need.

In working with her sisters, Louise emphasized a balanced life, as Vincent de Paul had taught her. It was the integration of contemplation and activity that made Louise's work so successful.

She wrote near the end of her life: 'Certainly it is the great secret of the spiritual life to abandon to God all that we love by abandoning ourselves to all that He wills.'

Nearing her death, she wrote to her nuns: "Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of our Lord. Pray earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, that she might be your only Mother."

After increasingly ill health, Louise de Marillac died on March 15, 1660 in Paris - six months before the death of her dear friend and mentor, Vincent de Paul. She was 68.

The Daughters of Charity had more than 40 houses in France. The nuns have always been held in high repute and have made foundations in all parts of the world.

Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV on May 9, 1920. And, on March 11, 1934, she was canonized by Pope Pius XI. Her feast day is May 9 (March 15 until 2016). Her remains are enshrined in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity at Rue du Bac, Paris.

She is mistakenly referred to as an incorrupt saint; the body enshrined in the chapel is actually a wax effigy, containing her bones. She was declared Patroness of Christian Social Workers by Pope John XXIII, in 1960. Louise de Marillac is honored with a Lesser Feast on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

[dwuerch-blog]

A Heart for Giving

Did you get as many emails and text messages as I did for giving on Black Friday, Giving Monday, and Giving Tuesday? I wish that I were such a cheerful giver that I replied with big donations for each one. I didn’t, but I should have. The season of giving is here. We shop, we wrap, we bake, we give. It’s a most wonderful time to be generous with those we love and those who need a helping…

[neptunejheart]

I am deeply in love with this photo of myself. It is because I am smiling & didn't expect to look that beautiful smiling. I have been loving my smile more and more with time. It feels unreal that I used to hate it.

My eyes are also so stunning! I love my eyes! Honestly, I am loving how I look lately. I am practicing loving on my physical appearance more and being in my body more since I used to only focus on my internal state of being. It is time to give my physical reality & body some love.

It is time to be present in reality.

[caribbeanvibesblog]

[galleryyuhself]

Galleryyuhself - St. Vincentian Chocolate gets its moment.

[vippix]

#HappyBirthday Kyo! #VIPPix #RunThisJungle #VIPPhotoStudio #child #childmodel #childshoot #kidsofinstagram #posterchild #vincentian #Vincy #caribbean #islandlife #canon #canon5dmarkiv #canon2470mm #godoxad400 #godox #offcameraflash #three #thirdbirthday #Confetti #jacket #purple #boots https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsawohuzpH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[apptworadioapps]

Radio Saint Vincent and the Grenadines FM & AM + Radio Online - (Radio Android Application 🇻🇨📻)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a small island nation in the Caribbean, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant music scene. Despite its small size, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is home to a number of radio stations that reflect the diverse interests and tastes of the local population.

One of the most popular radio stations in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is We FM, which broadcasts a mix of news, current affairs, and music. We FM is known for its engaging talk shows and interviews with local and regional personalities, as well as its lively music programming that includes a mix of soca, reggae, hip hop, and other genres.

Another prominent radio station in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is NBC Radio, which is operated by the National Broadcasting Corporation. NBC Radio offers a mix of news, sports, and cultural programming, as well as music from local and international artists.

For those interested in gospel music, Praise FM is a popular choice. This station plays a mix of contemporary and traditional gospel music, as well as Christian teaching and inspirational messages.

Other radio stations in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include Hitz FM, which plays a mix of soca, reggae, and other Caribbean music genres, and Boom FM, which offers a mix of contemporary hits and throwback classics.

Despite their differences in programming, all of these radio stations share a common commitment to serving the local community and promoting the culture and traditions of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the island, tuning in to one of these radio stations is a great way to stay connected with the latest news, music, and culture in this vibrant Caribbean nation.

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