SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness, and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul began in 1833. Frederic Ozanam, a 20 year old university student met regularly with fellow catholic students to discuss issues of the day. At one of the public meetings, Ozanam was challenged by a member of the audience to answer the question about what was the church doing to be a source of good. Unable to respond, Ozanam and his friends were inspired to take action, which led to the creation of the Conference of charity with the purpose of serving the poor.
The Conference of Charity determined that no act of charity would be foreign to their organization. The members would go out to the street of Paris to meet the poor intheir homes. Members provided food, clothing, shelter, financial and spiritual support to individuals and families in need. Under the guidance of Sr. Rosalie Rendu, Ozanam emphasized the importance of giving kindness, respect, and compassion to people in need.
Frederic Ozanam choose the 17th century priests. Vincent de paul, known as the Apostle of Charity, to be patron saint of the organization, which was later renamed the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Today there are members serving in over 140 countries around the globe.