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Society of St Vincent de Paul

Northern Regional Office

196-200 Antrim Road

Belfast

BT15 2AJ

Tel: 02890-351561

Fax: 02890-740522

Email: info@svpni.co.uk

Privacy Policy

Reg. Charity XN45800

The aim of the first members of the Society was to "Bear witness to Christ by showing that faith inspired them to work for the good of others; and to assist each other by mutual example and true friendship to draw nearer to Christ by loving Him in their fellow men and women by visiting and comforting the poor and needy people in their homes".

Just as Frédéric Ozanam and his friends did when establishing our Society in 1833, Vincentians today still find their inspiration and encouragement to care for others in the love and sacrifice of Christ for mankind.

Vincentian Vocation

"The Spiritual Fellowship of Charity" , as President-General Baudon on April 14th 1848 called the friendship and mutual support between members, continues to be a major strength of the Society.

Through their service for others, members seek to grow in the love of God and of their neighbour. The more Christ-like the service is, the more acceptable it will be to the needy.

"No Work of Charity is Foreign to Our Society"

Ozanam Quote

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is a Christian lay voluntary organisation, working with the poor and disadvantaged. Inspired by our founder Frédéric Ozanam, and our patron St Vincent de Paul, we seek to respond to the call every Christian received to bring the love of Christ to those we serve in the spirit of the gospel message:

"I was hungry and you gave me to eat...."

(Matt.25)

Our Aims

 

Voice of the Poor

Our authority in speaking on behalf of the poor comes from our experience in working with the effects of poverty. Reflecting on this experience, we see that the problems generated are more often structural than individual; access to employment, housing, education and health services are key determinants of social well being.

As well as being the voice of the poor, the Society helps express the public conscience.

Our Mission Today

We are committed to identifying the root causes of poverty and social injustice, and, in solidarity with the poor and disadvantaged, to advocate and work for the changes required to create a more just and caring society.

Mission Statement

We seek, in a spirit of justice and charity through the personal involvement of our members, to help those who are suffering.

No work of charity is foreign to the Society. We serve everyone in need, regardless of creed, opinion or colour.

    Social Justice

    In solidarity with those whom we serve, we stand against social injustice. We reject the view that poverty is inevitable in a modern world. While we act as a short term safety net for those who fall outside the care of the Welfare State who need financial, material or emotional help and support, we seek to embrace those who are marginalised by society and help them to rekindle their self-respect and sense of worth.

    For our part the Society of St Vincent de Paul encourages members to have a much greater interest and involvement in national and local problems of a social nature:-

    • Becoming involved in community issues
    • Advocating, supporting and encouraging social change
    • Representing the poor and networking with other groups
    • Conducting research and providing evidence

    "Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands"

    "Yours must be a work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves"

    "We must do what is agreeable to God. We must do what Our Lord Jesus did when preaching the Gospel. Let us go to the poor, let us learn of Him"

    Frederic Ozanam
    click to enlarge

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