Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Contemplation: Catching a Glimpse
True acts of compassion often have less to do with material aid and more with making others feel seen, loved, and not alone in their struggles. In visiting those in need, we offer more than assistance—we offer presence, friendship, and a reminder of God’s love that can uplift their spirits long after we’ve gone.
Contemplation: Not to Gratify, but to Glorify
The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a spiritual guide rooted in the founders’ experience, focused more on holiness and love than rigid procedures. It shapes members to serve the poor with compassion and integrity, always led by God’s call.
Protect the Poor: John Berry and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Appeal to U.S. Lawmakers
John Berry, National President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, is urging U.S. lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that could harm millions of vulnerable Americans. He warns that the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would deepen poverty and undermine the nation’s moral responsibility to care for the poor.
Contemplation: The Best of Our Ability
St. Vincent teaches that serving the poor with love and humility, to the best of our ability, is more important than measurable outcomes, which are the typical standards of worldly success. Though our efforts may seem small or insufficient, they are meaningful when rooted in love, which never runs out and through which God acts.
Contemplation: Simple, Gentle Humility
Blessed Frédéric emphasized humility, simplicity, and religious motivation as essential to the Society’s mission, warning against pride, bureaucracy, and a focus on efficiency over spirit. He urged that all credit be given to God, encouraging service modeled on Christ and respect for other charitable efforts without comparison or competition.
Contemplation: The One I Love the Least
Jesus’ repeated question to Peter—“Do you love me?”—is meant to awaken in us the truth that love for God is shown through action, especially toward the poor in whom Christ is truly present. Love of God and neighbor are inseparable, and we must answer Christ’s call not just with words, but with deeds.
Contemplation: Not Our Help, but Our Hearts
True humility recognizes that all good comes from God, not from ourselves, and therefore we neither boast in success nor despair in failure, trusting instead in God’s will and timing. Our role is not to claim credit or control outcomes, but to serve with love, patience, and total confidence in Divine Providence.
The Vincentian Mission Cart: Love on Wheels from Juiz de Fora (Brazil)
An inspiring grassroots initiative by the Central Council of Santo Antônio of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Brazil is bringing faith, food, and fraternity directly to those living on the streets.
Contemplation: A Union Made Perfect
Visiting the poor in pairs, following Christ’s advice, fosters mutual support, charity, and deeper understanding. This practice builds true Christian friendship, uniting Vincentians in spirit and service to the neighbor.
Contemplation: With Singular Prudence and Modesty
Blessed Frédéric Ozanam taught that the Society should be known by its humble actions, not by seeking recognition or reputation. True Vincentian service is a path of personal transformation, drawing closer to Christ through quiet, grace-filled service to the poor.
Contemplation: Broken, Blessed, and Shared
We are called to serve the poor not from a place of superiority, but from our own shared brokenness and need for God’s grace, just as Frédéric Ozanam recognized his human frailty. In embracing our brokenness, we become instruments of Christ—blessed, broken, and shared like the Eucharist—bringing hope, joy, and communion to a world in need.
Contemplation: He Who Chooses Us
Our vocation to serve the poor follows Christ’s example, who came to us before we ever sought Him. Like St. Vincent and Frédéric, we recognize God’s hand in every call to charity and strive to serve in humility and love.