Vincent De Paul

About

“Go to the poor: you will find God.” – Vincent De Paul

“Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands”. - Frédéric Ozanam

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul began in Paris, France, in the year 1833 when a young law student at the Sorbonne, Frederic Ozanam, was challenged during a debate to demonstrate what he and his fellow Catholic students were personally doing to help the poor in the city of Paris. Ozanam's reaction was immediate. Within weeks, Ozanam, at 20 years of age, and six of his peers formed the first "Conference of Charity." Under the conference, this group of seven men financed their works of charity out of their own pockets and from contributions of well wishers. They visited the poor near their homes, providing them with needed aid and assistance. At the prompting of Monsieur Emmanuel Bailly and Sister Rosalie Rendu, superior of a convent of the Daughters of Charity, Ozanam soon placed the conference under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul who had spent his life in 16th century serving the poor in France. Within few years, the original group of seven grew to 600, spreading to 15 other cities and towns in France, numbering more than 2,000 members. SVP gradually expanded outside Paris in the mid-19th century. From a small Conference of Charity, today the Society has spread throughout the world, thus fulfilling the wish of its founder “I would like to embrace the world in a network of Charity”. The Vincent De Paul Society, Our lady of Lourdes Church, Whitefield, Bengaluru 560066 was Estb. & aggregated on 22-01-1999.

SPIRIT OF THE SOCIETY

Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing. Inspired by Gospel values, the society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic Lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person to person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, blessed Frederic Ozanam and patron St. Vincent de Paul.

As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.

STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIETY

Conference The basic unit of SSVP is the Conference functioning at the Parish level, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitefield, Bengaluru 560066.

Area Councils

Area Council, Ulsoor encompasses the Conferences in the nearby areas of Ulsoor including SSVP our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitefield, Bengaluru 560066, that are grouped together for coordination, interaction and unity.

Central Councils

Area Councils are generally grouped at Diocesan level into Central Councils, Bangalore Central Council. The Central Council guide and coordinate the activities of the Area Councils and Conferences under its control.

National Councils

The National Council of India has its Headquarters in Mumbai.

Conference Structure

* President

* Vice- President

* Secretary

* Youth Secretary

* Treasurer

* Members

* Spiritual Director

Activities

* Adopted Family Support through monthly ration for 16 families and 40 of its family members

* Casual medical help to the needy

* Education Help

* Special Projects

* Foundation day celebration with adopted family members

* Christmas tree celebration with adopted family members

* Special Ration and Gifts to Adopted families during festivals

* Spiritual Camps for faith formation to Adopted families

* Visits to homes of Aged and Sick Funding

* Church Gate Collection on every 2nd Saturday and Sunday Masses

* Donations

* Secret Bag

* Special Project Donations

CONTACT US

* ssvpwhitefield@gmail.com

JOIN US

Vincent De Paul Society Fund,
Our Lady of Lourdes Church,
Whitefield, Bengaluru 560066