The practices of the St Vincent de Paul Society are based on the Gospel belief that Jesus Christ is present in the person who is in need. “What you do to the least among you, you do to me.”
Matthew 25
The St Vincent de Paul Society was begun in Paris in 1833, by a young law studentnamed Frederic Ozanam, in the aftermath of the bloody French Revolution. He and his friends were challenged to act on their faith and do something to make life better for the destitute. They began going in pairs into the Paris slums, making home visits so they could see what needed to be done, and then returning to their parishes to collect food, clothing, medicine and money to distribute. They called themselves the Society of St Vincent de Paul, in honor of the patron saint of charitable organizations.
Following Jesus Christ and his disciples, St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Vincentians share a deep concern for the suffering of those who are in need. Our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, taught that we should see the Face of Christ in those we serve. When they call, we answer; when they are in need, we help; not because they are “deserving,” but because they are suffering; not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic; because whatever we do for the least of our brothers, we do for Christ himself.