14/08/2022
This day is celebrated in honor of each and every SSVP woman who has taken part in the ministry of Conferences, bringing their love to their neighbours and their faith to the most needy.
Amélie Ozanam, remembered especially on this day, is a clear example and role model of selflessness, service, and unconditional love for God and the mission of the SSVP, always supporting her husband to make his dream come true: to build a wonderful network of charity with his colleagues. Thanks to her, much of Frédéric Ozanam’s legacy– his writings and documents– have been preserved.
There were other women who were key to the inception and expansion of the SSVP: Blessed Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity who took part in the foundation of the first Conference, brought the Vincentian Charism to that conference, and taught them how to visit the most vulnerable in the Mouffetard district (Paris) in their homes.
At first, due to the traditions of that time, SSVP Conferences were made up of men only. Through the years we have witnessed how Conferences worldwide have been gradually opened up to women in all fields, in harmony and equity according to our belief that we are all God’s children.
As a matter of fact, the SSVP Rule spells out that “members meet as brothers and sisters, with Christ in the midst of them, in Conferences that are genuine communities of faith and love, of prayer and action”, and that “the entire Society is a true and unique worldwide Community of Vincentian friends”.
An historical example of the vindication of the role of women at the SSVP is Celestina Scarabeli who, on January 10th, 1856, founded a women’s branch in Bologna as a result of her fervent yearning to feel Vincentian.
Nowadays, women are vital to the continuity of SSVP Conferences around the world. There are great testimonies of women stepping up their commitment and Vincentian mission; for instance, the International Secretary General, Marie Françoise Salesiani-Payet.
