History of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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 17th 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. Sister 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.

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." The Society serves the poor regardless of race or creed, based on verifiable need.