Open your hearts.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a young French nobleman, 20 year old Frederic Ozanam, to confront his city's devastating poverty. Inspired by his love of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century French priest who had an untiring commitment to serving the poor, Ozanam's mission was clear - help the poor on a one-on-one basis and "accomplish through charity what justice alone cannot do."

In 1830, Frederic left his home in Lyon to attend the Sorbonne, the University of Paris, to pursue a law degree.  He joined a student organization called The Conference of History founded by Emmanuel Bailly, publisher of La Tribune Catholique newspaper. This conference attracted a variety of individuals with differing opinions and beliefs.  Some years later, Jean Broet, a student and follower of the doctrine of Saint-Simonism, challenged Ozanam and his friends: "We agree that at one time your Church was a great Church and was a great source of good.  But what is your Church doing now?  What is She doing for the poor?"  Ozanam and some other like-minded students accepted the challenge and formed the Conference of Charity and held the charter meeting in May of 1833.  Starting with seven members, the conference membership soared to more than one hundred by the end of 1834. By 1835, the society had its own official rule and a new official name:  The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

The Society took Saint Vincent de Paul as its patron under the influence of Sister Rosalie Rendu, DC.  Blessed Rosalie (beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II) was a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a group of religious women who take vows to serve the poor and those in need, founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in 1633. Blessed Rosalie, who was well known for her work with the most poverty stricken people in the slums of Paris, guided Blessed Frédéric and his companions in their approach towards those in need.

The Society grew rapidly from the start. There were already over 2000 members when Frederic Ozanam died in 1853. Blessed Frederic was beatified in 1996.

The Society in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

The Society started in Pensacola with a Conference at St. Michael and a Conference at Sacred Heart in 1932.  In 1982 the first Conference was formed in Tallahassee.  For the past 78 years, Vincentians have been serving the poor in the Florida Panhandle.

Mission

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Pensacola-Tallahassee, is part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholic men and women who are committed to live and grow in their Christian faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. The Society’s mission is accomplished through parish and community-based groups called Conferences, and programs called “Special Works.” The Society’s work includes any action that alleviates suffering and distress, while maintaining the dignity of the person being helped.

Vision

“No Act of Charity is Foreign to the Society.”

Our SVDP Annual Report is our way of reporting back to our benefactors the good works performed by Vincentians in our community.

2009 Diocesan Council Annual Report

• St. Vincent de Paul National Council
• St. Vincent de Paul International Council
• Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Niceville Holy Name of Jesus
• Panama City St. Dominic
• Pensacola Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
• Pensacola Holy Spirit
• Pensacola St. Anne
• Pensacola St. Paul
• Santa Rosa Beach St. Rita
• Tallahassee Co-Cathedral
• Tallahassee St. Louis
• Alfred Washburn Center - shower facility for homeless
• Thrift stores
• Voice of the Poor
• Daughters of Charity
• Daughters of Charity - Evansville Province
• Vincentian Family
• The Vatican
• EWTN
• Catholic Answers

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• April - June 2010
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• October - December 2010