SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, a Roman Catholic charitable organiza tion, founded in May 1833, in Paris, by Freder ick Ozanam (q.v.) and seven companions. At their first meeting the object of the society was outlined and expressed in the few words: "Our work shall be for the service of God in the persons of the poor, whom we are to visit at their own dwellings and assist by every means in our power." Frederick Ozanam is considered the founder, as he was the first one who suggested the work The Saint Simonians had taunted the young men who were advo cates of Roman Catholic doctrines with being talkers only and not workers. At the very next meeting of Ozanam and his friends, Ozanam suggested an organization which should occupy itself "not with discussions but with good works." From a membership of eight in a small room in Paris, in 1833, the society has grown to a membership of thousands with local organiza tions in nearly all parts of the world. The first United States society was formed at Saint Louis in 1845; the New York organization dates from 1816. The members are men from all stations in life. There are numerous auxiliary societies, composed of women, who assist in the regular work of the Saint Vincent de Paul societies. The instructions given by the Pere Bailly at the first meeting created a spirit which is char acteristic of the work of the present. He urged the men not to let their work be a °mere doling out of alms," giving only a pittance of money m or food, but a medium of moral improvement through personal service. Their education, in
telligence, special knowledge of science and their general knowledge of life are placed at the service of those needing assistance.
The total number of Saint Vincent de Paul conferences throughout the world is over 6,000; active members over 100,000; honorary members, over 100,000. There are now branches in every civilized country on the globe. There are in the United States a general council, and special councils in every archdiocese, besides 800 conferences and over 15,000 members.
Some of the good works in which the mem bers are engaged are visiting the sick and those in trouble; furnishing food and clothing to the needy, procuring employment for those not en gaged in regular work, providing summer coun try homes for poor city children and homes for the homeless. The members visit the jails, pris ons, almshouses and the poor of the parish. Boys' clubs have been established in many cities, and vigorous efforts are made to distribute good literature. Besides the local meetings, State and national meetings are held annually, with delegates from conferences in all parts of the United States, Canada and other countries. All the councils of the world report annually to the council-general, who has his headquarters in Paris, France. Consult 'Manual> of the society.