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Frederic Ozanam
1813 - 1853
Founder
Society of
St. Vincent de Paul
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In
1833, Frederic Ozanam, and a group of students from the Sorbonne
University were challenged to prove their faith in Christ
through action, not just words. The Society of St. Vincent de
Paul was formed when they took up this challenge and began to
work with the desperately poor in Paris. Developing a simple
system, they went in teams to help the poor in their homes, in
the streets, in the hospitals and the asylums. Adopting as their
patron St. Vincent de Paul, a 16th century cleric renowned for
his work with the poor, the Society arose from humble beginnings
to become an international organization found in 130 countries
with one million members.
Continuing the tradition of
visitation of the needy in their homes, Vincentians organize
themselves into parish based units called Conferences to serve
those in need through person to person contact. Emergency
assistance is given by way of food, clothing and furniture;
giving those in need access to basic necessities. Friendship,
guidance and advocacy are also offered to enable individuals and
families assistance through community programs and parish
involvement. As well, from the beginning the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul has operated Special Works which in a spirit of
social justice seek to offer a helping hand up to those seeking
assistance. These include supportive residential programs,
children’s camps, community clothing stores and court
services.
St. Lawrence Conference:
See Also:
Next: What
we do.
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