Discover the heart and spirit of Venerable Santiago de Masarnau through his own words—a gifted musician and the visionary who brought the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to Spain.

As National president of the Society, Santiago de Masarnau (1805-1882) bequeathed a timeless legacy of faith and compassion, distilled into dozens of stirring addresses delivered at the Society’s Assemblies. In every speech, his profound love for God and for the poor shines through, along with a prophetic vision of charity as a joyful, consistent way of life. His words, brimming with passion and clarity, still speak to us today—challenging, inspiring, and inviting us to walk the path he so faithfully traveled.

Text of Santiago de Masarnau:

“Our Association [the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul] is not an association of philanthropy, as some call it; nor even of beneficence, as others understand it. No. It is an association of true and pure charity. The love of neighbor, based on love of God, is its purpose.”

—Santiago de Masarnau, Address to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Madrid, April 30, de 1854.

Commentary:

Charity that surpasses philanthropy

Masarnau emphatically states that the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is not a mere philanthropic or charitable association, but one that embodies “true and pure charity.” Philanthropy is often seen as a generous act, almost impulsive, while charity is considered occasional assistance. For Masarnau, however, Vincentian charity is rooted in the Gospel and sustained by spiritual depth.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) rests on the love of God, not merely on human inclination. Vincentian charity is anchored in “Love the Lord your God, and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31), transforming giving into an encounter with Christ rather than a mere social gesture.

Saint Vincent de Paul: model of embodied charity

Saint Vincent de Paul embodied such spiritual and active charity. He drew from Jesus’ word in Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… he has sent me to proclaim the Good News to the poor.” He did not merely dispense alms, he organized a coherent and structured network of help grounded in prayer, spiritual formation, and direct engagement: home visits, hospitality, holistic response.

Thus, Vincentian charity is systematic, prayer‑fuelled, yet daringly active among the most vulnerable. It is not a sporadic gesture but a lifelong mission. Saint Vincent organized aid networks in times of crisis, created “Confraternities of Charity,” and founded institutions such as the Congregation of the Mission in 1625 and the Daughters of Charity in 1633 so that charity would become an ongoing apostolate—not mere emergency aid.

The example of Blessed Frederick Ozanam and the SSVP founding

Frederick Ozanam, who founded the Society in 1833, also embraced that faith-rooted love—not contingent altruism. Through the Conferences, charity was meant to arise from love of God and be concretized in solidarity with the poor: a service sustained by prayer and spiritual commitment, not just an isolated act of kindness.

Masarnau’s work as concrete continuation

When Masarnau introduced the Society to Spain, he embraced this spirit. He founded the first Vincentian Conference in Madrid (1849) with the conviction that it was not about giving alms and moving on, but of building a spiritual structure that transformed both server and recipient. Even during persecution, he persevered with that vision: charity as a spiritual and communal force, not spontaneous philanthropy.

Vincentian charity today

Today more than ever, this perspective is refreshing. The society often conflates service to the poor with philanthropic actions that are effective but disconnected from the heart. Vincentian charity reminds us to see Christ in the poor, to transcend social acts and enter into mission. It flourishes precisely because it is pure and true, born from connection with God and translated into concrete care for others.