Though born in the heart of the Church the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is at the service of the city. Under the inspiration of the gospel message, attentive to the teaching of the magisterium, it operates in the midst of the human community and regards it as its duty to bring about "being better," over and above "being more."  "Gaudium et Spes" ("The Church in the Modem World, N 43)

"Christians as citizens of both cities to carry out their tasks in this world under the guidance of the gospel. They are far from the truth who knowing that we have not here a lasting city but are heading towards the future one, neglect their human tasks, not realizing that the faith itself, taking into account each one's vocation, makes this a more urgent duty. But they are equally in error who, on the other hand think that they can devote themselves totally to the affairs of this world as if they had no connection with their religious life. They regard the latter as being confined to taking part in worship and obeying certain fixed moral obligations. This dichotomy between the faith which is professed by a large number and their daily behavior is to be counted among the greatest errors of our day."

If the Church expects from us an authentic witness to faith and spirituality it also invites us to be totally present to this deeply changing world which is suffering, struggling and looking for itself.

The vocation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul makes it a definite duty for each member to be involved in the human tapestry where the struggle for a better and more just world is being carried on.

That is what leads a number of them to commit themselves, as Ozanam did personally, to defending the cause of the poor.

Vincentians are aware of the various problems caused by the different forms of spiritual, moral, cultural, physical and material poverty so their clear aim is to give back hope to those who have lost it.

Thanks to a flexible structure, reduced to essentials and which does not cost much, and above all made up of willing people, technical and material human means can be rapidly mobilized, set up and adapted to circumstances of time and place.

Also, the existence of indigenous teams in most countries of the world allows as rational, economic and disciplined action as possible, with regard to local conditions.

This organization and these methods have proved their worth in the midst of the human dramas and natural disaster which afflict our world from time to time.

Becoming a Member

For information, call Marc Bruno,
Director, Vincentian Support Services
(415) 977-1270 x 3003 or email