The SSVP celebrates the feast of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam in Paris

On 9 September, the headquarters of the International General Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Paris hosts the celebration of the Eucharist on the occasion of the feast of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, as part of the 2026 International Formation Meeting, which brings together twelve Territorial Formation Delegates from different regions of the world.

Under the theme “The origins of our Vincentian spirituality as the foundation of formation”, the meeting seeks to deepen understanding of the roots of Vincentian spirituality and strengthen formation in the service of the SSVP’s mission.

The Eucharist has been presided over by Fr José Orozco, C.M., Spiritual Adviser to the International General Council, and has included a message from the International President General, Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez. Drawing on the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, the homily, entitled “Charity, a ladder to holiness”, has recalled that faith and prayer lead us to encounter and serve those most in need, making charity a path of personal transformation and holiness.

The figure of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam has also been highlighted as a precursor of the Social Doctrine of the Church, for his understanding of charity as inseparable from justice and human dignity.

The programme continues with a Vincentian historical tour coordinated by International Vice-President General Ralph Middlecamp, and includes sessions on formation, the Social Doctrine of the Church, capacity building and governance, with the participation of First International Vice-President General Sebastián Gramajo and Luz María Ramírez González, Vice-President for Formation.