Do you know who the Vincentians are? The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a global Catholic lay movement, inspired by the zeal of St Vincent de Paul and founded by Bl. Frédéric Ozanam in 1833. Its members—called Vincentians—organise themselves in small parish-based groups known as Conferences. Their mission is simple and practical: to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with person-to-person love. Even the logo reflects this simplicity: the fish (an early Christian symbol) reminds Vincentians that their service is rooted in Christ and the Gospel. The circle symbolises universal charity, while the plain design mirrors the quiet, humble, and discreet way the Society works—without publicity or show. Our Goa’s parishes have long nurtured an SSVP presence that blends Catholic social teaching with practical help. From visiting the homebound in village wards to supporting struggling families in remote belts and urban pockets, Vincentians focus on steady accompaniment rather than one-time activities. Some of the activities that are regularly conducted includeHome visits: Listening, encouraging, and offering practical help.
Ÿ Education support: School and college fees, books, and essentials for children.
Ÿ Health and elders: Medicines, financial aid for treatment, hygiene supplies, and companionship for the elderly.
Ÿ Livelihood & emergencies: Rations, aid during crises, job search support, and assistance with groceries, medicines, or house repairs—always aiming to preserve
dignity.
SSVP ensures person-to-person needs are understood with the family, not imposed on them. Funding is modest, local, and transparent – drawn from members, parishioners, and benefactors. Mainly, spiritual growth is focused on wherein every meeting includes prayer, reflection, and formation, so service flows from faith. Lastly, discreet service, privacy and respect are given importance—no publicity or fanfare for the activities.
Stories from our backyard – Aquem
Ÿ When a family lost their home in a fire, Vincentians stepped in with medical help and financial support for repairs.
Ÿ Families struggling with illness received timely assistance for treatment.
Ÿ In one case, help with house repairs enabled a family to generate rental income and regain stability.
Today, 13 families in Aquem are regularly supported: 9 Catholic, 3 Hindu, and 1 Muslim—proof that SSVP serves need, not creed. Alongside adopted families
(receiving monthly support for school/college fees, groceries, and medicine), one-time cases are also considered with compassion.
How you can help — today
Join: Membership is open to all lay faithful. Attend a meeting and learn by serving.
Youth Vincentians: Post-Confirmation youth join members on visits to old-age homes and families in need—learning through action while strengthening the parish’s support network.
Refer: If you know a family in distress, share details discreetly with SSVP.
Contribute:Amonthly pledge, a bag of rice, or sponsorship of a child’s fees makes a difference. Receipts are issued for donations.
Pray:Remember Vincentians and the families they serve in your intentions.
FAQs
Ÿ Is SSVP only for “the very poor”?
No. Many families need temporary help—after illness, job loss, or other setbacks.
Ÿ Do you only give material aid?
No. Material help is always paired with friendship, mentoring, and referrals. The goal is dignity and stability.
Ÿ Can non-Catholics be helped?
Yes. Assistance is based purely on need.
You can contact any member of SSVP, or approach the church office if you would like to donate. All donations are acknowledged with a receipt and goodwill.
“Let us love God, my brothers, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow.”— St Vincent de Paul.
Louella Santimano Dias