A legacy celebrated: 170 Years of St Vincent de Paul Society Australia

Celebrating and commemorating 170 years of compassionate service for Victorians in need, the St Vincent d­­e Paul Society Victoria hosted two significant events in March 2024: an inspirational and thought provoking Frédéric Ozanam Oration at the RACV Club in Melbourne’s CBD and a special Commemorative Mass at the historic St Francis’ Church, Victoria’s oldest Catholic Church and the birthplace of the Society’s first conference in Australia. These gatherings paid homage to the rich history of St Vincent de Paul Society and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Ozanam Oration: Embracing Change and Courage

The Ozanam Oration on 4 March was themed: “Our Founders were people of both foresight and insight.

The Society’s mission and Purpose are as relevant as they were 170 years ago. Our challenge is to continue that journey.” It provided plenty of opportunities for key speaker, Age Discrimination Commissioner and former St Vincent de Paul Society NSW President Robert Fitzgerald AM, and the evening facilitator, renowned journalist Geraldine Doogue AO, to both inspire and challenge the room.

Mr Fitzgerald addressed the heart of the matter, how to honour the past while navigating the uncharted territories of building a future for the Society – pondering all possible challenges along the way. His insights, drawn from his deep connection to the Society, provided ample inspiration and challenges, setting the stage for an evening of profound introspection.

The evening, with Victoria State President Michael Quinn as MC, unfolded with a sense of reverence and reflection on the enduring mission of the Society. The Society’s National President Mark Gaetani also addressed the 150 guests who included National Council CEO Toby O’Connor, Group CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, and long-term supporters of the Society in Victoria such as Vinnies CEO Sleepout participants, generous donors and dedicated members and volunteers. Bishop Martin Ashe said Grace.

The Ozanam Oration’s resounding call to embrace change, have courage and take risks echoed the fearless spirit of Frédéric Ozanam, the St Vincent de Paul Society founder. The event sparked meaningful discussions about the Society’s identity, the evolving landscape of volunteering, and the indispensable role of members and volunteers. In the spirit of adaptability, guests left inspired, fostering a profound sense of unity and commitment to the enduring mission of the Society. Mr Fitzgerald’s reflections encapsulated the essence of the evening: ‘The Society is an example that lay people and religious and clerics working together can achieve something extraordinary. And this 170 year is that celebration ...’

Mass at St Francis’ Church: A Spiritual Commemoration

To further commemorate 170 years of the Society in Australia, a graceful and solemn mass unfolded at St Francis’ Church, Victoria’s oldest Catholic Church, on Lonsdale Street on the day of our birth – 5 March 1854. The choice of this historic venue added a layer of significance, as St Francis’ Church is the birthplace of the first conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.

In the grand tapestry of 170 years, the threads of faith, resilience, adaptability and courage are interwoven…

Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli led the well-attended service. The Mass, a heartfelt tribute to Fr Gerald Ward, unfolded the narrative of his devoted efforts to respond to the needs of Australians, leading to the establishment of the first Australian conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society, 170 years ago.

Mark Gaetani, in a poignant sidenote, shared that unbeknown to Father Ward, his efforts would come full circle in 2020 with the establishment of the first UK Mini Vinnies group at St Edwards Catholic Primary School in Father Ward’s hometown Runcorn, inspired by Kevin Slattery from the Hawthorn Conference in Melbourne (see story in The Record, Autumn 2024).

The Mass was not just a spiritual experience but an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the enduring mission of the Society and on the timeless wisdom of its founder, Frédéric Ozanam: ‘The poor person is a unique person, God’s fashioning, with an inalienable right to respect.’ A light supper provided a convivial setting for sharing stories, strengthening connections, and celebrating the spirit of compassion and service that defines the Society.

Also present at the Mass were Bishop Greg Bennet, Bishop Terry Curtin, Bishop Tony Ireland, Emeritus Bishop Les Tomlinson, Fr Tony Kerin, and Fr Michael Buck. The event resonated with gratitude for the continued legacy of compassion and charity that defines the Society’s mission.

The legacy of Frédéric Ozanam lives on

The Ozanam Oration and the commemorative Mass stand as symbols of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s unwavering commitment to its mission. As the Society reflects on 170 years of service, the events served as a bridge between its storied past and a future filled with challenges and opportunities.

The legacy of Frédéric Ozanam lives on, inspiring generations to come as the Society continues its journey guided by faith, adaptability, and a profound commitment to compassion and service. In the grand tapestry of 170 years, the threads of faith, resilience, adaptability and courage are interwoven, creating a rich legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Good Works Exhibition celebrates 170 years

To further celebrate the significant milestone, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria invited members, volunteers and the general public to the “Good Works Exhibition 1854-2024” which took place during National Volunteer Week in May. Located at Melbourne’s Xavier College, the birthplace of the first school conference in 1908, the exhibition offered a glimpse of the Society’s remarkable 17-decade journey.

Highlights were portraits and stories of the many outstanding and passionate members and volunteers, such as the late Collingwood Conference Member Margaret Oats AO, Ozanam House volunteer and former client Garry Liakoureas, Vinnies Advocate and former client Diana Connell and soup van volunteer of over 40 years, the late Frank Mullins.

An interactive timeline marked the ‘good works’ that were often intertwined with Australian history highlights, such as the gold rush area, evidencing the ongoing commitment to assisting people in Australia in need regardless of their background or current events. 

Read the Record 2024 Winter Edition