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“Help honours when, to the bread that nourishes, it adds the visit that consoles, the advice that enlightens, the friendly shake of the hand that lifts up sinking courage when it treats the poor man with respect, not only as an equal but as a superior, since he is suffering that which we would perhaps not be able to bear ourselves; since he is among us as the messenger of God, sent to put our justice and charity to the test, and to save us by our works.”
(Frédéric Ozanam, from an article in L’Ère nouvelle, October 21, 1848.)

Vision

As a Catholic lay organization, we will embrace the world in a network of charity, serving Christ in the suffering, the poor and the marginalized, bringing them love and respect, aid and development, hope and joy, in a more just society.

We also seek to deepen our spirituality and the mutual love and support amongst members, so that, seeing how we serve those in need with one mind and heart, people are attracted to the Society and to Christ who animates it.

Mission

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is:
To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.

(Rule and Statutes of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Canada)