"Relief of poverty and spiritual growth of its members"
About
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing practical assistance to those in need – irrespective of ideology, faith, ethnicity, age or gender. The Society is a lay organisation initially formed in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, a French lawyer, author, and professor in the Sorbonne. Placed under the Patronage of St Vincent de Paul, it is inspired by his thinking and works. It seeks, in the spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are suffering poverty in whatever form. The Society gradually expanded outside Paris in the mid-19th century. Today the Society numbers about 7, 00,000 members in some 148 countries worldwide, whose members operate through “conferences”. A conference may be based out of a church, community center, school, hospital, etc., and is composed of Catholic volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to help those in need in their community. In 2013, all over the world, Vincentians are celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Frederic Ozanam.
THE MISSION
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.
St Vincent De Paul, Holy family Conference
On 23rd September 2003, a few active good-hearted parishners of our church started St Vincent De Paul, Holy family Conference with the guidance of Rev. Fr. Francis Thonippara. The conference was at its full energy from the very beginning radiating charity by all means.
Main scope of our conference activities includes,
After ten successful years of charity, about fifteen members (“vincentian's”) are enthusiastically volunteering in conference activities to eliminate poverty and hunger by promoting and establishing acts of charity. On every Sunday, all members gather at parish conference room after the first holy mass for a scheduled meeting. There, we discuss and decide the activities for the upcoming days/weeks. Secret bag collection from each member during every Sunday meeting, contributions from donor members and monthly church gate collection (on every second Sunday) are the main source of income for this society. We remember all well-wishers, our spiritual advisor (Fr. Vicar) and donor members with heartfelt salutations and we reaffirm our commitment to help and walk along beside those who need us. With your support, we hope we can continue this good work in the years ahead.