TIm Williams CM alerts us to story in the Australia Catholic Weekly about the SVDP in Australia.Vinnies – 150 years in Oz By John O’Neill
History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalises memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity. Cicero (106?43BC), Pro Publio Sestio
In 1833, when Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society declared: “Let us go out into the world and do whatever good lies in our hands,” he would not have expected, that from such humble beginnings, the organisation would one day be represented in 130 countries with 950,000 members.
Twenty-one years after Frederic and his colleagues began their visitation work, which would form the St Vincent de Paul Society, the first Australian conference began in Australia in 1854.
In May this year, Vinnies celebrated its 150th anniversary in Australia, marking the formation of this first conference in Melbourne.
Fr Gerald Ward began the Society conference at St Francis’ Church in Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Fr Ward described the early work of the Society in the following way: “Its objects comprise sundry works of charity, but more especially, the relief of the destitute, in a manner as much as possible permanently beneficial, and the visitation of poor families.”
Every opportunity is seized of bearing consolation and instruction to the sick and prisoners, to children, indigent, abandoned or imprisoned, and of procuring religious ministrations to those who stand in need of them at the hour of death.”
In 1851, gold was discovered in central Victoria. In just 12 months the population increased in the State by 150 per cent. The family unit broke down as men left their wives and children in the hope of finding quick fortunes.
These were the conditions in which the first conference operated. The Society’s first special work was opened in this era to cope with the consequences of family breakdown and much hardship. It was an orphanage for boys.
A great deal has changed in Australia since 1854. Despite a very different community now, the members of the Society have always maintained the heart of its mission ? seeing the face of Christ in those we serve.
The celebrations of this anniversary in Melbourne inspired feelings of excitement, joy and, most of all, pride in what has been achieved in a relatively short time by historical standards. The highlights of the five days of activities for me were the parade through the streets of Melbourne and the Future Directions workshop.
More than 1300 people took to the streets of Melbourne with banners, music and the Melbourne town crier on May 22, to celebrate the anniversary. I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and participation of all who were there, in particular the conference members who proudly marched behind their banners. I had a real sense that all who marched were proud of the work that has been achieved.
The Future Directions workshop was a crucial part of the celebrations. Where have we come from? What have we achieved? Where are we going? These were three questions that were discussed in depth at the workshop by a cross-section of Society members, volunteers and staff. I was so pleased to witness a strong emphasis on the spiritual growth of the Society in these discussions. I believe that we must keep working to attract new members and to increase our numbers, particularly from the younger generation. This is particularly important as Church attendance continues to dwindle.
I would like to congratulate the St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria for organising a joyful, forward thinking and worthwhile five days of celebration. They sure know how to host a brilliant commemoration.
Philip Elmer-DeWitt said, “Some people make headlines while others make history” (Time Magazine). I believe that the Society’s members, volunteers and staff have made a significant contribution to the history of Australia over the past 150 years. Let us hope that our history continues to provide guidance in the future in our daily work as we reflect on these notable achievements.
Keep smiling and God bless
http://www.catholicweekly.com.au/04/jul/11/18.html
http://www.vincentians.org.au/vinnews.htm
