Interview with National President

On September 1, 2010, Joe Flanagan, the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States, was interviewed by Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, on EWTN. The efforts of the Society locally, nationally and internationally, were discussed, as well as the Society's history and spirituality. To view the video please click here


Sacramento District Council President John Hallissy notes, "The interview is very informative for longtime Vincentians as well as those new to the Society or those non-Vincentians who want to learn more about the Society."

Papal Blessing on Conferences

THE SECRETARIAT OF STATE

Vatican. 12th November 2008

Sr. José Ramón DÍAZ- TORREMOCHA

Président Général

Société de Saint- Vincent de Paúl

PARIS

Dear President General

On the occasion of the CLXXV Anniversary of the Foundation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Holy Father wishes to spiritually join the action of thanksgiving of this happy commemoration and at the same time to set forward an invitation to passionately renew the commitment of service to the Church in the unselfish love to the most needed brothers and sisters.

Since its birth in Paris in 1833, the Society of St Vincent de Paul with its local Conferences has wonderfully spread throughout the world, always answering the specific needs of poverty and instability, not “with words or tongue, but with actions in truth”, (1 John 3, 18). The pressing impetus of Christian charity, that is already present in the birth of this Society as is maintained as its authentic reason of being, should continue to be a true reflection of the love that God has for each one of His children and is a sure means of continuingly experimenting His merciful presence, as “everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4, 7).

With the awareness of being living instruments of the Lord, bearers of the Gospel of charity, the members of the Conferences have to always look for the possibility to renew these deep meanings of faith, those that move Christians to perfect acts of charity, and continue to take Jesus Christ as a model of the Good Samaritan, therefore never allowing the acts of charity set forth so eloquently by the first members of this Society to flag; an experience that has always been present within your distinguished tradition.

In today’s world, people that suffer any kind of poverty, whether it is through new or traditional forms of destitution, continue to require the consolation of charity. Unselfish love towards thy neighbor, with sensitiveness developed from a deep spiritual life, will increase the necessary creativity and enough bravery in order to cure the wounds of those that most suffer. Charity, therefore, can not only be limited to material aid, but also goes beyond this and offers support and peace for the spiritual difficulties of humankind. Following the trail of the founder, the Blessed Frederic Ozanam, this anniversary will give new enthusiasm so that faith will neither be separated from action nor from the charity work of the brave and clear apostolate, as “They realize that a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to love. A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak.” (Deus caritas est 31 c).

With these sentiments, the Holy Father invoking the intercession of St Vincent de Paul and the Blessed Frederic Ozanam, conveys a special Apostolic Blessing to all members of different local Conferences of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout the world.

I would also like to use this opportunity to manifest the testimony of my consideration and esteem in Christ.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

Secretary of State of His Holiness

Core Values

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul adheres to a group of core values; these are the principles central to its creed and ministry:

• Identification of Jesus with the poor
• Preferential option of the poor
• Jesus is the Evangelizer and Servant of the poor
• Growth and intimacy with Jesus is a lifelong process
• Poverty and spirit are the primary beatitudes
• The Society is concerned with charity and justice
• Prayer is essential: personal and communal
• The virtue of humility: personal and corporate
• The virtue of charity within and outside the Society
• The virtue of simplicity
• Divine Providence
• Friendship
• Solidarity
• Community

175th Anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul each year celebrates the last Sunday of April as Ozanam Sunday in honor of the Society’s founder. On April 23, 1833, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and six companions founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. April also marks the birthdays of Blessed Frederic and St. Vincent de Paul. On this Sunday, all Vincentians are invited annually to renew their commitment to membership in the Society.

For the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parish, in the United States, and throughout the world, that on this 175th anniversary of the Society's founding, they will be strengthened in their renewed commitment to find Christ in serving the needs of the poor, we pray to the Lord.

Levels of Membership

Active Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul participate fully in the life and work of the Society, serving the needy person-to-person. They attend the meetings of their Conference, praying with fellow members, and confidentially reviewing the situations of those in need. Active Members participate fully in the fellowship and spiritual life of the Conference. This full membership, for practicing Catholics, includes participation in the celebration of the Eucharist and potential growth in Vincentian spirituality.

Associate Members participate actively in the works of the Society. They serve food in a food kitchen, volunteer in a Society of St. Vincent de Paul Store, help staff a SVDP shelter, and a host of other works. Non-Catholic Associate Members need not attend all the functions of the Society, including the Eucharist and other religious exercises enjoyed by Active Conference members.

Contributing Members share items like food, clothing, furniture, or special services: repair skills or legal, pharmaceutical, medical or healthcare assistance. They may give a one-time monetary gift to the Society or contribute on an ongoing basis. These generous persons, representing many faiths, contribute greatly to the work of the Society.