News Archives
Peter Keshwar appointed Formation Delegate for Africa 2
Peter Keshwar has been appointed Formation and Training Territorial Delegate for Africa 2 by Juan Manuel Buergo, President General of the Confederation International of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Clement Venter passes away
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Clement Venter, former President of the SSVP National Council of South Africa, former Coordinator of Zone 2, and lately serving as Territorial Delegate for Formation and Training.
What will you do to help on World Day of the Poor?
17 November 2024 marks the 8th World Day of the Poor, and we’re challenging you to do something … even the smallest kindness … to help someone who is hungry, destitute and suffering in your neighbourhood.
Fires leave people destitute
Over the past five months, Boksburg in Ekurhuleni on the East Rand has beset by numerous fires. In June, all three fire stations in the town were called out to deal with runaway grass fires in different locations, leaving a fourth fire unattended.
New Central Council established
Owing to the size of the province and the distances in travelling, a new Central Council has been established for North West KZN.
Grandparents Day at St Stephen’s
Kanyamazane Holy Cross Conference organised a Grandparents’ Day at St Stephen Church on Sunday 28 July.
Youth career day at Our Lady of the Assumption
On 4 May, the Society of St Vincent de Paul Youth hosted a Youth Career and Development Day at Our Lady of The Assumption in Molapo, Soweto. It was a huge success, with over 100 young people turning up on the day.
International Youth Day celebrations
St Vincent de Paul youth day is celebrated internationally on 29 June, which is the feast day of St Peter, patron saint of our youth. Sharing this feast day is St Paul because legend has it that they were martyred on the same day, three years apart.
I was sick and you visited me – Matt 25:36
For about ten years, Lenny* would visit our weekly feeding scheme at St Jude’s whenever he had no food. He stood out because of the way he lived his life with a smile, respect and perseverance in the face of the many challenges life threw at him.
Alone we can do so little – together we can do so much!
St Jude’s Conference in the West Coast region has big goals for this year, and after just a few months, they are already well on the way to fulfilling them.
Blessed Benedict Daswa Pilgrimage
A large contingent of SSVP Youth attended the Blessed Benedict Daswa pilgrimage at Tshitanini, Venda at the end of February.
Career month
Youth Career Awareness Month, which takes place in April 2024. The Youth Coordinators saw a need for this among young people in our communities and parishes.
World Day of the Poor – Vincentians turn out in force to uplift poorer neighbours
On 19 November – World Day of the Poor – Vincentians heeded the call to reach out to their less privileged neighbours and ensure that everyone had something to eat.
Church desecrated
On 28 September, the Blessed Sacrament Church in Malvern, Johannesburg, completely descrated – statues smashed, podium broken, bible torn up and more.
Commissioning Ceremony for the New National President of SSVP
View the video of the entire ceremony for the commissioning of the new National President of SSVP in South Africa.
World Youth Day 2023 – a personal account by Ofentse Mahasha
It was an answer to prayer, a time of resting in God, allowing God to lead me, experiencing the mercy of God, strengthening of and learning more about my faith – filling up my cup.
Farewell to outgoing National Director, Peter Keshwar
Soweto district conferences came together to offer a fitting farewell to our outgoing National President, Br Peter Keshwar, who has been at the helm of the organisation for the past six years.
World Youth Day returns in Lisbon
We were thrilled to be able to send a group of young South African Vincentians to World Youth Day, which took place in Lisbon from 1 to 6 August 2023.
Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez – our new President General
Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez has been elected as the 17th President General of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP), succeeding Renato Lima de Oliveira. His inauguration is scheduled for September in Paris, coinciding with the feast of Blessed Antoine Frédéric...
Spreading warmth – Ballito blanket drive
From our Ballito conference comes these images of the heartwarming difference made by donors who supported the 2023 winter blanket drive.
Polokong Children’s Village closes
The Society of St Vincent de Paul regrets to inform you that the Polokong Children’s Village has officially closed down.
Beating the cold in Kimberley
Volunteers from St Peter’s in Kimberley recently went out to Riverton to distribute a car boot full of blankets, provided by an anonymous donor, to those most in need.
New National President elected
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has announced the election of their new National President. Vincent Teboho Williams will lead the organisation, which was established in South Africa in 1856, for a three year term beginning in September 2023.
SSVP celebrates 190th Anniversary with special Mass
On Sunday, 23 April at 3:30 pm (Paris time), a Holy Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated for the 190th anniversary of the foundation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and the 210th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Antoine-Frederic Ozanam.
George Newman retires after 44 years’ service to SSVP
On 26 March, a special ceremony was held to mark the retirement of long-standing SSVP servant, George Newman. After 44 years’ dedicated service, ‘Uncle’ George took the decision to stand down for health reasons.
Nothing will stop St Pius X Conference
After being dormant for a couple of years, St Pius X in Newcastle is now the most active Conference in Central Council.
Christmas Message from the National President
A Christmas Message for all Vincentians from the National President, Peter Keshwar
Christmas comes early
Christmas came early to many poor people who felt the warmth of human kindness in the form of much needed gifts of food and clothing.
World Day of the Poor – Vincentians respond with open hearts
The theme of this year’s World Day of the Poor was, “For your sakes, Christ became poor.” What a wonderful reminder to us all that we need to stop living money-centred lives and concentrate on what’s really important.
Orange River Conference celebrates 60 years of service to the poor
Congratulations Orange River CC on the celebration of your 60th year in action, as well as to the PE St Anthony’s Conference, which celebrated 35 years.