St. Vincent de Paul
click on picture for his biography.
Picture obtained from SVDP home page
The Society is a Catholic organization comprised of lay people that offers aid and assistance to whomever needs it. “Vincentians” throughout the world humble themselves to help the impoverished and also pray and reflect on what they have done and how they did it.
Members of the Society generously give what they have-time, money, support-to people that need it as much, if not more, than they do. They treat every person with great respect and believe in “the dignity of the human person and in the identification of Jesus with the poor.” They are great models of good people with strong faith because they fully try to imitate Christ. They provide Education Programs, Disaster Relief, Emergency Financial assistance, Food Programs, and shelters. A more extensive list can be found on the SVDP home page.
After New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the SVDP was able to provide relief and aid during that horrible time of widespread panic. Many people lost much of what they had, and the Society was tried to replace some possessions. However, the best thing that they did was provide emotional support and care for those victims.
"We believe that when we look into the face of someone who is poor or in need, we see the face of Christ. We see it in the faces of little children getting a bed to sleep in, adults in need of a job or clothing or even help with the family meal."-A Source of Help and Hope at the SVDP in St. Louis home page
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Home Page
The Society in St. Louis
Catholic Charities USA
Daughters of Charity
Relief for Hurricane Katrina
click on picture for its source at MSNBC.com