History

"There are many people who have too much, and who want still more. There are very many more who do not have sufficient, who have nothing and who want to take if people won't give. A struggle is starting between these two types of people. This struggle threatens to be a terrible one. On one side is the power of gold, on the other the power of despair. We must jump in between these opposing armies, if not to prevent at least to soften, the encounter. And the fact that we are young middle-class people makes it easier for us to fulfill the role of mediator to which our title of Christian obliges us. That is why our Society of St. Vincent de Paul is useful." Frederic Ozanam 1813-1853

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris in 1833, by a young French nobleman, Frédéric Ozanam, to confront his city's devastating poverty. Inspired by his love of St. Vincent de Paul, a seventeenth century French priest who had an untiring commitment to serving the poor, Ozanam's mission was clear - help the needy on a one-to-one basis and "accomplish through charity what justice alone cannot do."

The Society took Saint Vincent de Paul as its patron under the influence of Sister Rosalie Rendu, DC (Daughter of Charity). Sister Rosalie (who was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II) was a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a group of religious women who take vows to serve the poor and those in need, founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Sr. Rosalie, who was well known for her work with the most poverty stricken people in the slums of Paris, guided Blessed Frédéric and his companions in their approach towards those in need.The St. Vincent de Paul Society was established in San Francisco in 1860 and for over 140 years, need has been the only requirement to receive help. The purpose of the Society is to help the neediest members of the community to become as self-sufficient as possible. The Society helps over 1,000 people in San Francisco every day, who are suffering from poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Almost one million people around the world are members of the Society. They call themselves "Vincentians", in tribute to St. Vincent de Paul. What they all have in common is a desire to serve poor and suffering people - the homeless, the sick, the lonely and the elderly. Vincentians deliver food, visit shut-ins, purchase personal care items, clothing and furniture, provide transportation, and assist in many other ways. As members of local parishes they perform their charity in parish groups known as "Conferences". Today, there are over 350 Vincentians (adults and youth) who serve in 31 parish Conferences, 2 youth grammar school Conferences and at 6 shelter program locations. Persons who are non-Catholic are welcomed to participate in the work and mission of the Society. The Society serves the poor regardless of creed, race, or sexual orientation.