SSVP

SSVP is the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The work of SSVP is the Gospel message in action.

The History of the Society

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded by Frederic Ozanam, on his 20th birthday in 1833. Frederic was a student of the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. In response to a taunt for Catholics, "Walk the talk" by his debate team colleagues, Frederic Ozanam and seven of his friends began the Society. They later partnered up with Sister Rendu (a sister of Charity) for training in serving the poor.

Ozanam and his small group went into the streets of Paris to seek out and visit the poor in their homes, bringing them bread, soup, wood, candles and clothing along with their concern and love. When they needed to house them, they begged others or used their own homes. Soon other groups begaQ in Paris and then around the world.

The first SSVP Conference in Canada was formed in Quebec City in 1846. It took a little longer to come to the west and has a history beginning in the late 1960's with more forming every day. The Western Regional Council serving Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, NWT, and Nunavut was formed in 1997. The Calgary Diocesan Central Council was formed in 2006.

Our Aim

Today the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide lay organization of Catholics, young and old of every race and walk of life. There are close to one million members in the world and more than 10,000 in Canada. The members meet in Parish, District and Regional groups in order to help those in need in a personal way. We see affordable housing as the greatest need in Calgary. We hope to address that need with your help.

The Society has no boundaries and no work of Charity is foreign to the Society. We remain beggars for and servants to the Poor. Social justice and charity cannot be apart. The poor need both.