The work of St Vincent de Paul

Poverty is a great tragedy afflicting humanity. We urgently need to acknowledge this fact and to offer resolute and generous support to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, founded at the Sorbonne Univerity, Paris, in 1833 by a young man named Frédéric Ozanam and six fellow students. They selected the visitation of the poor in their own homes as a practical means of helping those in need through Christian charity.

Why should any one want to join the St Vincent de Paul Society? For love of God and love of humanity. It is a simple and profound answer that sums up the nature of the Society. The idea was based on Christ’s teaching: ‘To love one another as I have loved you.’ The teaching and activity of the Society demonstrates that when women and men turn to the gospel, this project of sharing and solidarity becomes a remarkable reality.

We are saddened to see the disturbing spectacle of long lines of people waiting their turn at soup kitchens. Even in cities it is not uncommon to see people sorting through refuse bins on the streets and after local markets have closed. When we consider scenes such as these, symptomatic as they are of profound contradictions, how can we not feel spontaneously moved to Christian charity?

The Society seeks to offer her own distinctive contribution – a fundamental work of human promotion and of fraternal sharing, one that requires that the poor themselves be involved in whatever way they can.

State wards are housed and cared for. Young people on probation are assisted and represented. Burials of the destitute deceased are conducted. People with handicaps are trained at Ozanam Industries in Mornington. Full-time housing and care is provided for aged pensioners. Migrant and refugee families are sponsored and accommodated. Prison visitation takes place, along with assistance of families and follow-up support. There is special accommodation and care for alcoholic men in Fitzroy. The Matthew Talbot night-patrol van delivers food to the homeless. There are also centres for emergency accommodation, bush fire and flood relief, and aid sent overseas to assist in the work of needy St Vincent de Paul branches in third world and war-torn countries.

Christmas is a time to focus on the continuing mission of the Society in caring for people and families in various forms of need. The demand is growing for us. Every day there is another family reaching out for a helping hand. The charitable work of the Society makes it possible for many underprivileged families to celebrate Christmas with appreciation and good will, not despair and sadness.

The Society is immensely grateful for the support of the parish communities of the Geelong Deanery, despite the many other calls on their generosity, and the State Council looks forward to your continuing support. Wishing you all, with God’s love, every happiness and peace for Christmas and the New Year.

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