SSVP establishes First Conference in Gabon

The mission promoted by the International General Council culminated in the official establishment of the SSVP in Libreville

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) continues to expand its international presence with the official creation of its first conference in Gabon, at Saint Michael of Nkembo Parish in Libreville. The implantation mission was promoted by the International General Council (CGI) and coordinated by Africa 3 VPTI Clementine Kalembi, accompanied by Cameroonian Vincentian Benoît.

At the end of April, the Vincentian delegation met with leaders of the Catholic Church in Gabon, including the Chancellor and the Archbishop of Libreville, who warmly welcomed the project after learning about the charism and work of the SSVP.

Photos with the Vicar General and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Libreville

During the meetings, the identity of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, founded in Paris in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam and other university students, was presented. The “charity of proximity” that characterizes the SSVP was also highlighted, based on direct and ongoing support for the most vulnerable people.

The delegation also explained the Vincentian commitment to “systemic change,” a vision that seeks not only to relieve urgent needs, but also to fight the root causes of poverty by helping people develop sustainable means to improve their living conditions.

Photo with Leadership team of May 2 in Libermann

The Vicar General of the Archdiocese later facilitated a meeting with the Saint Vincent de Paul Basic Ecclesial Community of Saint Michael of Nkembo Parish. After several moments of dialogue and discernment, the community agreed to officially create Gabon’s first Vincentian conference.

A few days later, the new leadership team was approved, and Fabrice Nguema-Obiang was appointed as the first president of the Saint Michael of Nkembo Conference. The mission concluded with a prayer at the Marian Grotto of Libermann, placing the beginning of the Vincentian presence in the country under the protection of the Virgin Mary.

With this new establishment, Gabon officially becomes part of the international network of charity and solidarity of the SSVP, fulfilling Frédéric Ozanam’s desire to “embrace the whole world in a network of charity.”

Photo with the members of the Saint Michael of Nkembo Conference