Society of St. Vincent de Paul
2 members Public
Person-to-person service to neighbors in need.
History
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, a young university student, together with a small group of friends who wanted to put their faith into action by serving the poor directly. They took St. Vincent de Paul, the great 17th-century apostle of charity, as their patron.
The Society spread worldwide through local 'conferences' — small groups, usually based in a parish, whose members visit and accompany people in need in their own homes. This personal, relational charity remains the heart of the Society's work.
Today the Society operates in some 150 countries, with hundreds of thousands of members offering food, rent and utility assistance, thrift stores, and friendship to millions of people each year.
What they do
- Home visits and personal accompaniment of people in need
- Rent, utility, food, and emergency financial assistance
- Thrift stores, food pantries, and dining rooms
- Disaster response and systemic-change programs
How to get involved
Most Catholic parishes have or can start a Vincentian 'conference.' Ask at your parish, or use the locator on the official website to find your nearest council or conference and inquire about becoming a member or volunteer.
Official links
Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapters
Local chapters from our directory.
