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August 8, 2023By Maury Bois, President, St. Vincent de Paul Tucson Council
On Sunday, April 23, members of the Tucson Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul joined other Vincentians in 157 countries around the world in celebrating the 190th birthday of the Society. It was on April 23, 1833, in Paris, France, that the Society’s founder, Frederic Ozanam and six other dedicated individuals held their first conference meeting. Originally called the “Conference of Charity”, the purpose of the group was to live and grow its Catholic faith through friendship and service to the poor in Paris. A year later, the name of the group was changed from “The Conference of Charity” to “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul” after the great French saint who spent his life serving and advocating for the poor. Almost two centuries later, this small group has grown from seven to almost one million members and is involved in service to those in need all over the world.
The anniversary was commemorated with an afternoon mass at St. Augustine Cathedral celebrated by the Most Reverend Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, and attended by more than 200 Vincentians and their families from across the diocese. Bishop Weisenburger praised those in attendance for their service to those in need and for putting their faith into action.
Following the Mass, a birthday celebration was held on the patio outside the diocesan offices. Attendees enjoyed everything from cake and ice cream to conversation and fellowship.
The Tucson Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is comprised of 35 parish conferences (volunteer groups) located across the entire southern part of Arizona. Last year, the members of these conferences provided in excess of $5.4 million in food and other assistance to those in need. If you are interested in finding out more about The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and joining us in our mission of serve those in need, please contact the St. Vincent conference in your parish or call Maury Bois at the main council office at 520-628-7837.
Our needs are great! If you would like to help us to further help our neighbors in need, please follow the link to the home page where you can make a financial gift or donate goods to our Thrift Stores.