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We are the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. A worldwide network of 800,000 lay Catholics, we are inspired by Gospel values to grow in holiness and build a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
To find local assistance (where available) in your area, click on your region to find a list of websites for local St. Vincent de Paul Conferences and Councils.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP or SVdP or SSVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international organisation formed of lay Catholics, who seek personal and spiritual growth through service to those most in need.
In the midst of the political, social, religious, and economic turmoil of early 19th century France, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul originated. As a young student at the Sorbonne, Antoine Frédéric Ozanam was appalled by the conditions he saw in Paris.
Founded in 1833, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is an international lay organization, united in the mission to serve persons in need. In Canada alone, the SSVP helps more than 350,000 people each year.
With Ozanam’s words, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was born: “We must do what is agreeable to God. Therefore, we must do what our Lord Jesus Christ did when preaching the gospel. Let us go to the poor!”
