The Society of St Vincent de Paul marked 180 years of supporting some of the most vulnerable in society, at an event in the foyer of Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral, attended by Bishop Tom Williams, a retired auxiliary in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Also present were SVP membership support officer Kathy Riley and local Mini Vinnie groups.
SVP has been operating in Liverpool since 1845 by supporting the poorest and most vulnerable members of society through face-to-face contact, befriending, and practical help.
Bishop Williams said he admired and supported the SVP for working quietly and effectively. Work with people affected by poverty and disadvantage “is done discreetly and it’s done quietly and caringly with discretion and respect”, he said.
In Liverpool and elsewhere SVP runs many community support projects, including shops, furniture stores, support centres, assisted accommodation and local soup runs and food banks. Advocacy work with policymakers aims to effect long-term changes for the common good.
The Young Vincentians programmes takes the Vincentian ethos into schools, colleges, youth hubs, universities and parishes “to help sow seeds of a lifetime of service”. Around England and Wales there are more than 600 schools and youth groups.
Ian Kempsell, SVP trustee and president for south-west Lancashire, who attended the 180th anniversary event, said: “We set a scheme up which helps teachers to help their pupils which has been wonderfully successful and we’re currently helping 17 schools.”
Elizabeth Palmer, SVP chief executive, has said: “In communities across the country our members and conferences continue to provide hope in times of great uncertainty and help those experiencing poverty.”
Speaking about the “important” work of the SVP, Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon OP said: “The SVP has become a fixture of parish life throughout the diocese and remains relevant because it finds new ways of meeting the challenges of the day.”
It was on the 12 February 1844 that the St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) was formed with the first conference meeting taking place in central London. Today, 180 years on, around 8,500 members volunteer in local communities across England and Wales. More celebrations are planned over the year.
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