What is SSVP?

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Samahan ni San Vicente de Paul) is an International Catholic Lay Organization founded in paris on April 23, 1833 by a group of young students and an elder person who joined together to create the First Conference in response to the cry of the poor. The founder and birthday celebrant was Blessed Frederick Ozanam.

When and how did it get its name?

The name of the group began as Conference of History that became Conference of Charity. In a Conference Meeting, on February 4, 1834, Leon le Prevost suggested that it be placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, the universal patron of charitable works.

Le Prevost was to be future founder of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul.

Le Prevost's suggestiion led to a decision to change the name of the organization to Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. In that same year, the title "Society of St. Vincent de Paul" was used to designate the organization as a whole.

When and how did the SSVP come to the Philippines

The Jesuits who came to the Philippines were the ones who established "the SSVP" in our country on December 22, 1860. In 1933 they generously and respectfully truned over "the SSVP" to the Vincentian Fathers. Up to the present, the Jesuits carry on the beautiful legacy of giving the OZANAM Award to alumni and people who excelled in humanitarian field that promotes "Globalized Charity".

What is the SSVP Motto?

"No work of Charity is foreign to the Society"

What is the SSVP Logo?

The new international logo of the SSVP bears a fish with a blue background. It bears an iscription that states SERVIENS IN SPE (Service and Hope). The meaning and symbolism of the logo is explained as follows:

• The circle signifies the global or worldwide stature of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an International Society.
• The eye of the fish is the vigilant eye of God seeking out to help the poor and underprivileged in our midst.
• The crossing of the tail or a tieknot represents unity and oneness among members and with the poor.

What is the SSVP Organizational Chart?

1. Council General International (Paris, France)
2. National Council of the Philippines
3. Regional Council
4. Arch/Diocesan Council
5. Particular Council
6. Conference

How many members does the SSVP have all over the world?

There are more than 700,000 SSVP members from 137 countries. In the Philippines, there are around 6,000 members.

How are the SSVP members linked with one another all over the world?

1. Twinning: In Prayers, by correspondence, and by mutual Help
2. Emergency Assistance
3. The Vincentian Family(CM,DC,COM,LCAIC,YLAC)
4. International Meeting/Conferences/Assemblies
   - Asia Group 2
   - Pan Asia Congress (PANASCO)
   - International Plenary Assembly
   - World Youth Day
   - International Vincentian Youth Encounter
5. Website, E-mail, Internet Access

What is the vision of our Founder?

The vision of our founder Blessed Frederick Ozanam is to "embrace the whole world in a network of love".

What are the different apostolates of the SSVP

The main apostolate of the SSVP is the Person to Person Apostolate (PPA) or contact with the poor done through the following:

1. Home Visitation (home, hospital, prison, charitable, institution)
2. Health Ministry
3. Immediate relief to calamity/disaster stridken areas
4. Educational Assistance (Assist-A-Student Program)
5. Livelihood Projects
6. Liturgical & Para-liturgical Preparations
7. Catechism
8. Issues/advocacies concerning the poor
9. Formation of members and beneficiaries
10. Family welfare apostolate
11. Others: Socio-eco pastoral, renewal and studies

How are the conferences known?

As a mandated Catholic organization, the different Conferences take the names of the Saints, usually those of the parish.

What is the main work of a conference?

The main work of a conference is visiting people in their homes, hospitals, institutions, and wherever else they may be found needing aid or comfort. Those who are homeless have a special call on the charity of members.