Who We Are

Who We Are:

St. Vincent de Paul is our patron, and we follow in his footsteps. Vincentians are members of an international society of charity characterized by a spirit of humility and generosity that is nurtured by prayer and reflection. Vincentian Conferences are based on the spirituality, fellowship, and charitable work of their Catholic parishes. The Diocese of Venice is composed of four Districts – Charlotte (County), Fort Myers (Lee County), Manasota (Manatee and Sarasota Counites)

and Naples (Collier County)

What We Do:

When people in need of help call out, Vincentians meet with them, determine their needs, and do what they can to assist. Each Conference location operates a food pantry where residents of Charlotte County can come for assistance. Services are provided to individuals, without regard to race, color, disability, sex, age, or national origin. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has helped to feed and clothe the poor and needy of the world. We follow in the steps of our patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of humility and sharing which is nourished by prayer and reflection. Programs like the Bridges Out of Poverty, Small Loans and Scholarships help people in need to break the cycle of poverty.

Our History

Our Founder & Influencers

St Vincent was born in 1581 in southwest France, Vincent was a man of keen intellect and enormous creativity. He was ordained as a priest at 19 years old. After a period of wrestling with his faith, he dedicated his life to the service of the poor.

Vincent founded three organizations: Confraternity of Charities in 1617, Congregation of the Mission in 1625, and Daughters of Charity in 1633. The Congregation was created to evangelize the poor and help in the formation and education of priests. The other two focused on serving the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and others in need. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII named Vincent patron of all works of charity. As St. Vincent de Paul, he became known as the “The Apostle of Charity” and “Father of the Poor.” Inspired by the life and ministry of St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed (Antoine) Frédéric Ozanam was 20 years old when he co-founded (with other students of the Sorbonne in Paris) the Conference of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, which soon was renamed the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Frédéric was not a priest himself, but rather a husband and father, professor and researcher, and journalist and author. Known for his intellectual genius and extraordinary holiness, he also became an apologist and defender of the faith. Over the years, other saints, blessed and venerable would promote the expansion of the mission and work of the Society of St. Vincent de For more information about the Paul. Today, it is the largest lay Catholic charity in the world.

SVdP Global Website:

https://ssvpglobal.org

SVdP National Website:

https://svdpusa.org