The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is an international Catholic organization of lay women and men who seek to help those who are suffering, thus adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Society was founded in France in the 1830s by Blessed Frederic Ozanam (right) and is named for our patron, St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic priest who was actively engaged in helping the poor of Paris in the mid-1600s. 

We are called “Vincentians” and come from all walks of life. Our common focus is spiritual growth and a desire to help our neighbors, the poor, and the marginalized. There are approximately 400 volunteers in the Arlington Diocese, organized in 11 conferences.

Our world-wide Vincentian family is located in 150 countries and includes almost 2 million priests, nuns, brothers, and laity.

Click here to view videos on St. Vincent de Paul and its fight against poverty.