“Visitation, the Prinicipal Work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul….”

Reflection by Joseph Taylor Executive Director of Toronto Central Council

In the Circular- letter of 1841, Emmanuel Bailly, the first President-General of the Society, writes “I cannot conclude this letter without this most earnest request: never neglect visiting the poor in their homes. The visiting of the poor in their dismal homes is the distinctive character of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.”

A great deal has changed since that letter was written; improvements in social welfare and government assistance have done much to alleviate the grinding poverty seen by Ozanam. However, Jesus warned us that poverty would always exist and, as the saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same.

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