Catholics of a certain vintage remember the Saint Vincent de Paul Society --whose motto is "Seeking Charity and Justice-- organizes people to respond to the human and spiritual needs of our neighbor. The Society is getting new life with a new leader. The Gospel is still changing people's lives.The board of directors elected John Foppe, 42, to be the new leader. Foppe takes on the work of an organization founded in Paris in 1833 by the layman Blessed Frédéric Ozanam who was moved by the poverty of his brothers and sisters and challenged by his Catholic faith. These lay Vincentians lived, and continue to live, the corporal and spiritual works of charity. What became the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was founded in St Louis, Missouri in 1845. Today, it is estimated that the Society numbers around 172,000 members in the USA organized in more than 4,500 conferences; but worldwide the numbers are more more dramatic.
John Foppe's story can be read here.
For more information about the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, visit them here.
Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Louise de Marrilac and Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, pray for us.
