Impact of “20 somethings” – SVDP almost 175 years ago

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, at its roots, owes its existence to six “20 somethings” using a phrase popular in the US to denote young adults.

The SSVP, called at the beginning « conference of charity », is a collegial foundation that took place in Paris the 23of April 1833 in the premises of the Tribune catholique, a newspaper run by, one of the founders (40 years old).

On account of his age and experience, he was often considered as the « father » by the other founders, who were all students, most of them of law, but also of medicine:

• Paul Lamache (23 years old)
• Félix Clavé (22 years old)
• Auguste Le Taillandier (22 years old)
• Jules Devaux (22 years old
• Frédéric Ozanam (20 years old)
• François Lallier (19 years old)

It is Emmanuel Bailly who wrote the Prologue to the first Regulations in 1835 which was drawn up by François Lallier. It is thanks to Ozanam’s constant and pressing effort that the Society has managed to remain as an ecclesial movement of lay people, for the lay.