OUR CALL, OUR MISSION AND VALUES.
Charity
Charity as lived by our members and volunteers throughout the world is inspired by the example of St Vincent de Paul, a great apostle of charity in his day and the Society’s patron saint. This charity is characterized by concrete action in neighborhoods, villages and communities. The SSVP’s members maintain the Vincentian spirit via the vision of its co-founder Frédéric Ozanam.
Empathy
Vincentians are called to visit their adopted families in their homes via a long-term relationship, they must exhibit empathy and listening skills. This enables them to understand the difficulties of people they help and provide the most appropriate response. Empathy also enables members to work as a team within Conferences.
Simplicity
Simplicity and humility are essential values to help the poorest of the poor and regard them as our equals in a fraternal relationship. Humility also implies spiritual maturity, which leads the Society’s members to humble themselves to serve the poor.
Justice
There is no charity without justice. The Society’s members do not limit their action to simply giving; above all, they want to help people regain their autonomy and dignity, while respecting their convictions and beliefs. More generally, the SSVP throughout the world combats the root causes of poverty and promotes the all-round development of human beings. It initiates action to the help poor and the marginalized to become self-reliant and transform themselves to lead a dignified and fulfilled life.
Spirituality
The SSVP’s members live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor. This is the basis of their commitment. Inspired by the spirituality of St Vincent de Paul, members strive to deepen their faith via action meeting real needs.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul today
In 2019-20 , 8,00,000 world-wide members preserve the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and the charity work of Frederic Ozanam and his friends, in continuing to provide aid to those most in need whilst maintaining alive the message of Christ.
The Church and SSVP
The SSVP is recognised by the Catholic Church as a Pious Lay Organisation and is registered with the catholic Bishops Conference as a catholic Lay Organisation. The Spiritual Adviser to MCC’s are appointed by the concerned Bishop of the Diocese. At the Conference level Parish Priest is usually the Spiritual Adviser. So the SSVP is closely linked with the Church and the members take active role in all activities of the Church.