Groups
St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris in 1833 by a group of young laymen, led by Frederick Oznam (beatified in 1977) to address the needs of the poor. They took as their inspiration and Patron, the Apostle of Charity, St. Vincent who, two centuries earlier, had founded the Order of the Daughters of Charity. They set up orphanages and soup kitchens to alleviate the conditions prevalent in France at that time. The Society rapidly spread globally and today is active in 140 countries.
In this country the main work of the Society, which is made up of Districts and Conferences, is visiting people of all denominations, or none, in their homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Donated gifts of clothing and household goods are distributed when required. Small sums of money are sometimes given in times of crisis.
Confidentiality is observed by members, so that the dignity of those we help is respected. Membership is open to Christian men and women who want to serve God by helping their neighbours.
Our Conference is twinned with one in a parish in Tamil Nadu in Southern India, which serve the poorest of the poor. We support each other with correspondence and prayer. Fund-raising events by members are held when needed to finance various projects such as training in dress making and other useful skills. This enables students, once qualified, to support their families.
Truro Conference currently has eight members. Meetings are held fortnightly, beginning with prayers and spiritual readings. Conference business is discussed and members report on their activities. During the winter months lunch parties are held for senior parishioners and their friends, when they can socialise and form new friendships.
New members are always needed and welcomed. For further information contact the parish office.
For a broader picture of the Society, visit the website at: www.svp.org.uk