SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The SVP Mission
The St. Vincent De Paul Society was started in 1833 by young men who were challenged by peers to “Stop talking, and do something”. They were exhorted to help impoverished and vulnerable people. What those young men created has withstood the test of time in its 193 years of existence.
Today, the SVP has 800 000 members worldwide in 149 countries. Young men created a society out of compassion, mercy and faith. We as Vincentians serve, support and visit vulnerable persons who we refer to as our families.
The SVP has adapted to diverse social contexts and ever-changing realities. The work carried out today by its members reflects a sustained commitment to vulnerable communities.
Each one of us is a branch of the one vine, and all of us together are called to bear the fruits of this common membership in Christ and in the Church. We are a Catholic Lay Society. We develop, educate and empower. John 15:12 states: The love that Christ has for us, love one another as I love you.
Small everyday actions of closeness to an elderly person, a child, a sick person, a lonely person, those in difficulty, without a home or work are what Christ asks of us. Thanks to the word of God, each one of us can make ourselves the brother or sister of those whom we encounter.
The SVP in Barbados
The St. Vincent de Paul Society came to Barbados in 1901 and in 2001 celebrated 100 years in this island.
The SVP is an arm of the church which primarily serves the less fortunate persons in our society, from all denominations.
At present, the St. Patrick’s Conference assists 16 families who are given a stipend every two weeks. The Conference also provides school supplies to parents who are unable to purchase the necessities for school. Assistance is also given in payment of utility and other bills where necessary. Food hampers are also distributed at various times throughout the year to persons in need, who are not the beneficiaries of the stipend given on a bi-monthly basis.
One fund raising aspect of the SVP is its Donation Box held at the Church door after all Masses. Parishioners are encouraged to give, no matter how small, because that small donation can make the difference between a family going to sleep hungry or having some nourishment.
Another important area through which the SVP St. Patrick’s Conference assists the less fortunate is through the DePaul Mall. The DePaul Mall was conceptualized by Marina Laurie, who, during her time at Presentation College, had assisted vulnerable families by giving donated clothing and household items for free tor selling them at very low prices.
After the school’s closure, the then bishop, Bishop Galt saw the need and offered SVP the spot which currently houses the DePaul Mall.
Mrs. Laurie, with the assistance of Irvin Defreitas, installed the container and managed the Mall together with Cynthia Clarke. Years later the management of the DePaul Mall was passed on to Meera Brewster the current manager.
Through these various initiatives and fund raising activities, the St. Patrick’s Conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society continues to serve, support, assist and care for families in our communities who are in need.
Presently, the Conference has ten (10) active and five (5) auxiliary members. Meeting dates vary based on the availability of members. We are appealing to anyone who may be interested in serving the vulnerable population, to come and join us as we continue the work of helping the less fortunate.
To assist in any way kindly contact Sherry Hamilton: (246) 252-8311 – cell and WhatsApp.