Feast of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam – 9 September The Catholic Church, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) and the entire Vincentian Family celebrate the feast of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam on 9 September. Ozanam (Milan, 1813 – Marseille, 1853) was the principal founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. This liturgical feast was established by the Vatican, taking into account that 8 September, the date of his death, coincides with the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the occasion of this celebration, the SSVP Council General International recommends that Conference members present special intentions during the anniversary Mass, entrusting to God the needs, hopes and aspirations of our Vincentian Family. In a special way, we are called to pray: • For the people assisted and accompanied by our Conferences, that through our Christian service they may find support, comfort, dignity and hope. • For the active members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, that, inspired by the example of Frédéric Ozanam, they may live out their vocation of service to those most in need with deep faith and generous hearts. • For our deceased Vincentian brothers and sisters, that the Lord may grant them eternal rest and reward their dedication, charity and all the good they accomplished in service of those most in need. • For our social works and Vincentian projects, that they may continue to be instruments of evangelisation, human development and transformation of situations of poverty and exclusion. • For the prompt canonisation of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, that, if it is God’s will, the Church may fully recognise his holiness and that his witness of faith and charity may continue to inspire present and future generations. May the celebration of this feast help us to renew our Vincentian vocation and to continue along the path traced by Frédéric Ozanam: serving Christ in the person of our brothers and sisters, especially those living in situations of poverty and need, in order to improve their lives and our own. May the example of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam strengthen our faith, our fraternity and our commitment to serve with love.

The living legacy of Ozanam in the voice of the International General President of the SSVP “We, the laity, are the main protagonists in the task of bringing the Gospel to places where priests and religious do not reach.” 📌 More information in ssvpglobal.org

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul commemorates the 187th anniversary of the establishment of the International General Council Emmanuel Joseph Bailly de Surcy, first President of the IGC 📌More information in ssvpglobal.org

The General Assembly held its triennial meeting in Lisbon (Portugal) from 14 to 20 June 2026 📌 More information in ssvpglobal.org

4 July: Vincentian Youth celebrates its International Day under the theme “Hope that embraces the mind and the soul” Today we give thanks for the Vincentian young people who make Christ’s love visible through their commitment. Since 2017, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati has inspired new generations to live a faith expressed through service and hope. Happy International Vincentian Youth Day! 📌 More information in ssvpglobal.org

Sister Alessandra Smerilli appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

The International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Stands with Venezuela Following the Devastating Earthquakes The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) expresses its heartfelt closeness and solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country. The earthquakes caused significant material damage, particularly in Caracas and surrounding areas, where assessment and emergency response efforts are still underway. From the very beginning, the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has remained in close contact with the National Council of Venezuela to obtain first-hand information on the situation of our fellow Vincentians and the communities most affected. The first reports received indicate a particularly difficult situation in the hardest-hit areas, while the Vincentian network continues to verify the well-being of its members and assess the most urgent needs of affected families. The International Confederation will continue to support the National Council and will share further updates as the emergency assessment progresses and the necessary relief actions are coordinated. We invite the entire Vincentian Family to join in prayer for the victims, their families, and all those involved in the emergency response, trusting that solidarity and hope will help everyone face these difficult times.

The General Assembly begins in Lisbon; we will meet from June 16 to 19. We were welcomed by the President of Portugal, Fernanda Capitão, and by PGI Juan Manuel. Following this, we received the blessing of the Patriarch, Rui Manuel Sousa, and a spiritual reflection from Father Orozco, CM. Presentations were given by representatives from several countries, covering topics including the video in support of the Concordat, the strategic plan, finances, and the registration of the Global Foundation.

European Meeting Madrid 2026 Celebrating the first apostolic journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and his visit to Madrid