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The Society of St.Vincent de Paul (S.V.P.) was founded in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and a group of student companions, to assist the large numbers of poor, in that city at that time. Placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, it seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity, to assist any person who is suffering for whatever reason. This help is given through the person-to-person involvement of the Society’s members.
Membership is open to men and women and also to people of other faiths, provided they accept the principles of the S.V.P.
The basic unit of activity is the Conference under the guidance of a President and meetings are weekly, circumstances permitting, and always begin and end with prayers. The members report on the visits they have made to the poor, sick and lonely, in either their own homes, nursing homes or hospitals. If a prison is in the vicinity, members would endeavour to visit if possible.
The Society in England and Wales is greatly involved with giving help to “Twinned” Conferences overseas where funds are urgently required. For many years we in England have been twinned with India and, more recently, assistance to the Sudan has become a priority alongside the victims of the Tsunami disaster.
Like many organisations the S.V.P. needs new members. Our local Trinity School has a Junior Conference for which we are grateful.
A brief description of the structure of the S.V.P. might be helpful. The HQ of the whole Society is in Paris, and in England and Wales our National Office is in London. Under the National Council we have a series of Central Councils, which equate to the Dioceses of England and Wales. Within each Central Council, (ours being Brentwood) there are a number of District Councils, one of which is Waltham Forest to which the Conference of St. Thomas of Canterbury (Woodford Green) is a part.
In order to gain further information about the Society one may always contact:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Head Office
5th Floor,
291-299 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JG
Tel: 020 7407 4644
Fax: 020 7407 4634
Email: enquiries@svp.org.uk
Web: www.svp.org.uk
Or one can contact the Parish Office and request to speak to the President of the S.V.P. Conference in Woodford Green. The Office of President should change every 5 years. One can always speak to any Conference member.
Victor John Mould – President, Woodford Green Conference and President Waltham Forest District Council
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