Our Work

Once Vincent recognized the often hidden face of God he had to act.

He would say “Let us love God, but let it be with the sweat of our brows and the strength of our arms.”

His genius lay in getting people of all strata of society to see what he saw and do what he did.

Few saints have been as active as Vincent de Paul.

Even if one highlights only his principal accomplishments, the list is impressive.

Just as today when we see a church in turmoil the missionary desire of Vincent led him to grasp the sad situation of the Church of France, characterized by poverty, ignorance, divisions, wars, the lack of zeal in pastors and priests.

The Vincentian Family continues to serve in ways inspired by the Vincent. Currently, the leaders of various Vincentian Family groups are exploring various “Systemic Change” projects. These include the projects highlighted in the Systemic Change articles featured on this website, such as the work of Fr. Pedro Opeka CM and of the AIC in Madagascar (here and here)  and the sustainable agriculture work of Jesus Los Santos of Oaxaca, Mexico.

There are the “traditional ministries” of direct service to those in need. Among the ministries listed by the Daughters of Charity are ministry to the homeless, care of the elderly, education and youth ministry, health care and nursing, care of children, Women’s Promotion, ministry to those with addictions, Pastoral Care, supporting prisoners, service to migrants and working with people with disabilities.

Specific examples of the work of the Vincentian Family can be found on various family websites.