The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), one of the oldest and largest Catholic lay organizations in the country today, was urged to be inventive in carrying out its mission of serving the poor and marginalized sectors.

Fr. Gerardo Vibar, CM, national spiritual director of SSVP, made the call during his homily on the occasion of the 150th arrival anniversary of SSVP in the Philippines held at the Sta. Isabel College, Manila last Dec. 22.

“This 150th foundation anniversary gives us an opportunity not only to bask in the glory of the past but to forge ahead into the future. Let us be inventive. Let us be revolutionary,” he said.

SSVP was founded in Paris on April 23, 1833 by a group of young students and an elder person who worked together to create the First Conference in response to the cry of the poor. Blessed Frederic Ozanam is considered the founder of the Society.

At present, there are more than 700,000 SSVP members from 137 countries. In the Philippines, there are around 6,000 active members in parishes and schools, most of which are run by the Congregation of the Mission and Daughters of Charity.

According to Fr. Vibar, like other civic and religious groups committed to serving the poor, the SSVP must continue with courage to “reinvent” itself as it renders specific contributions in fighting poverty in the country through its “network of charity”.

“As much as it is about the past 150 years, it is also about the next 150 years and even more. Let our 150 years of history be an impetus for something more in terms of our service to the poor,” he said.

“The poor is not only growing more but the faces of poverty are also changing. This situation fits very well into our Vincentian spirit. Let our discernment begin with a work so simple and very close to the heart of the Society,” he added.

With the theme “SSVP… in partnership with the poor,” the Society has lined up activities for its members and beneficiaries as part of its year-long celebration which coincides with the sesquicentennial arrival anniversary of the Jesuits in the Philippines.

It has organized a logo design making contest with the theme “Charity – Mission” in solidarity with the international celebration of the 350th death anniversary of Sts. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.

It has also co-sponsored a short video essay contest open to all members of the Vincentian Family Coordinating Council, including the students and alumni of CM and DC schools and parishes all over the country.

SSVP is mostly involved in home visitation, health ministry, immediate relief to calamity/disaster stricken areas, educational assistance, livelihood projects, liturgical and para-liturgical preparations; catechism; issues/advocacies concerning the poor, formation of members and beneficiaries; family welfare apostolate; socio-eco-pastoral renewal and studies, among others.