In the St Vincent de Paul Society, September is a month of festivals, as we celebrate the feast days of Blessed Frederic Ozanam and St Vincent de Paul.   

St Vincent de Paul and Bl Frederic Ozanam did and were many things in their lives. Crucially, they were people whose love transformed the world they lived in. 

The groundbreaking way St Vincent de Paul inspired thousands of people in the 1600s to give their lives and resources to a new network of hospitals, accommodation and services is why he is sometimes known as the architect of modern organised charity.  

The short life of Frederic Ozanam, 200 years later, is a powerful sign of what’s possible when you to dedicate your life to the service of others.  

As the patron saint of charity, St Vincent de Paul was the natural spiritual patron of the new Society formed by 20-year-old Frederic and his companions. 

It’s astounding to think that another 200 years later, there are millions of members and volunteers of the St Vincent de Paul Society around the world working in the same spirit. 

May the Society’s great works of charity always be inspired by our founders and patrons.