To commemorate 170 years of service to those most in need, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Australia organized two significant events: a moment of prayer and reflection, inspired by the figure and words of our founder Federico Ozanam, and a commemorative mass at St. Francis Church in Melbourne. Both moments recalled the rich history of the SSVP in the country and looked to the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The place where the Mass was celebrated has important historical value, not only as the oldest Catholic church in Victoria, but also as the birthplace of the first Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Australia. Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli led the celebration. The Mass remembered Father Gerald Ward, who through his actions led to the foundation of the first Australian SSVP conference 170 years ago.

To further commemorate the significant milestone, the SSVP invited members, volunteers and the general public to the “Good Works Exhibition 1854-2024”, which took place during National Volunteers Week. Located at Melbourne’s Xavier College, the birthplace of the first school conference in 1908, the exhibition offered an overview of 17 decades of the Society.

An interactive timeline marked the “good works” that were often intertwined with highlights of Australian history, highlighting the ongoing commitment to helping people in need in Australia, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Source: https://www.ssvpglobal.org/