Faith
Prayer and action belong together. We serve as an expression of our Catholic faith.
About us
A worldwide family of charity, rooted in Trinidad & Tobago
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn.
Our history
Paris, France. 23 April 1833.
A group of young university students, seeing the social inequality and injustice all around them, decided to take action, hoping to change the world. They formed the first “Conference of Charity” — friends who wanted to share their faith and put it into action.
Prayer and action came together in their visits to the Mouffetard district, one of the poorest parts of Paris. A Daughter of Charity, Sister Rosalie Rendu, guided and supported them, teaching them about Saint Vincent de Paul.
In 1834 the Conferences took St. Vincent as their patron saint and dedicated themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first Rule followed in 1835, and in 1839 the International Council General was formed.
SSVP today
Present in over 150 countries
The Society has 800,000 members and 1,500,000 volunteers, helping over 30 million people every day. It is an associate member of UNESCO and a special adviser to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Society is part of the Global Catholic Climate Movement and is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030.
Mission & values
Serving the poorest of the poor
SSVP remains committed to serving the poorest of the poor and to providing support and care to those most in need in our communities.
Friendship
We build bonds of affection with the people we serve, not only offer material help.
Dignity
Every person is treated with respect, compassion and confidentiality.
Justice
We work for a more just and caring nation, addressing the causes of poverty.
“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.”
Join a Conference
Become part of the Vincentian family in your parish.