St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is simple yet profound: to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, and joy. The volunteers—known as Vincentians—turn concern into action by providing direct, personal assistance to neighbours experiencing poverty, vulnerability, and isolation.
History
The Society was founded in 1833 in Paris, France, by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, a 20-year-old university student. Challenged by peers to prove how Christianity was still relevant and useful to a changing world, Ozanam and six fellow students decided to put their faith into immediate action.
They placed their group under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century priest renowned for his radical devotion to the poor and marginalized. Guided by the mentorship of Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity who worked tirelessly in the Paris slums, the young founders established the tradition of the Home Visit—going out in pairs to meet people directly in their homes to offer aid and friendship.
Today, the Society is a global movement present in over 130 countries, carrying forward this legacy of organized, personal charity.
Guiding Principles & Goals
The work of the Society is anchored in the belief that we see Christ in anyone who suffers. Driven by Christian fellowship, our core goals and principles include:
- The Home Visit: The foundational practice of the SSVP. We go directly to those in need, offering a comforting presence, practical advice, and a friendly hand.
- Dignity and Respect: We treat every person we serve not as an unequal, but as an equal—and even a superior—recognizing the divine presence in their suffering.
- Holistic Support: We help in all possible ways, offering material aid while also seeking to relieve spiritual and emotional loneliness.
- Vincentian Family: We come together as a spiritual family, growing in holiness through personal service to others.
Active Ministry in the Diocese of Peterborough
Within the Diocese of Peterborough, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates at the grassroots parish level through local chapters called Conferences and it also operates stores known as Vinnies. The proceeds from Vinnies help to fund the food bank the Society operates.
Impact
Local Vincentians provide critical support to individuals and families across the region, including:
- Emergency Relief: Distributing non-perishable food, clothing, household items, and furniture.
- Companionship: Making home visits to console, advise, and offer hope to those struggling with poverty, illness, or systemic disadvantages.
- Community Integration: Assisting newcomers, refugees, and families navigating difficult financial transitions.