Vincent and Louise started a revolution… of tenderness! So begins Sr. Peggy O’Neill, SC in her presentation to the Vincentian Family in Rome October 14. She picked up a theme from Pope Francis in a surprise video presentation   earlier this year.

 

It gives me joy to mention this here…here in Rome. Vincent truly believed in partnership in the church and that is why he listened, learned and trusted the instincts and wisdom of Louise.

Together they imagined and gave birth to a movement that has inspired us all.They started a revolution of tenderness… a revolution to humanize and put a face on the stranger and the vulnerable. Our Founders knew the need to lock eyes and to join hearts with those to whom human dignity and human rights were denied.

 

With zeal, with a passion, Vincent and Louise responded to human needs and organized institutions to keep charity alive, keep love expressed.  Yes, we are witnesses to, and partners with them in that long evolution of service….. service given in both humility and simplicity.

 

Vincent and Louise instructed all of us, the Vincentian family, to ask forgiveness of those receiving our help….receiving our love. How well they knew that the “giver is the getter and the getter is the giver”! It really was…it truly is… love touching love.

 

After rooting this revolution in a profound understanding of the Trinity she concludes

Let us gather here these days with a genuine attitude of gratitude knowing,… that God still has faith in us… and knowing, that we still have faith in each other.

 

Let us promise to touch each other and our world with, a tenderness that transforms and with a truth that challenges.

 

Ours is an age of something radically new. It is more than a reformation. It is to be… an EVOLUTION in love…an EVOLUTION in solidarity, “a Love Inventive to Infinity.”

 

Read some stimulating stories, and more by clicking this link to access her powerful and prayer-provoking reflection from the steps St. Peter’s in Rome.

 

Click this highlighted link to see the 35 minute video of the presentation on Youtube.

Reflection Questions

Are we on board with this revolution to humanize and put a face on the stranger and the vulnerable?
How will people know we are on board?


A highly respected long-time peace activist, Sister Peggyhas received many honors and awards including the 2008 Peacemaker Award of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, and the 2008 Ciudadana Ilustre Award, which recognized her work on behalf of social and cultural development in Suchitoto.  This spring the University of Scranton awarded her its Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Award for Distinguished Contributions to Ignatian Mission and Ministry.