Society to mark three major Feast Days in September

The St Vincent de Paul Society will celebrate three significant Feast Days next month that reflect the Society's enduring commitment to faith in action and compassion for those in need.

September 2025 marks the Society’s most significant Feast Days: Blessed Frédéric Ozanam on 9 September, Saint Vincent de Paul on 27 September, and, for the first time, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati who will be canonised a saint on 7 September by Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

‘As Vincentians around Australia and the world gather to celebrate these Feast Days, we honour three extraordinary lives whose faith, charity, and courage guide the Society’s mission,’ said Mark Gaetani, National President, St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia. ‘Their commitment to the poor is our inspiration as we strive, every day, to bring hope and dignity to those in need.’

On 9 September, the Society honours Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, who founded the charity in Paris in 1833, driven by the spirit of charity and social justice in a city grappling with poverty and upheaval. Just two decades later, the first local Conference was founded in Victoria in 1854, amid the turbulence of the gold rush. The Society quickly grew, extending its Good Works across the country; a legacy that continues today.

Patron Saint Vincent de Paul is celebrated on 27 September. Born in 1581 in the French village of Pouy, later renamed in his honour, Vincent de Paul’s journey began as a priest and led him to dedicate his life to serving the poor and marginalised. His teachings guided the Society’s founders two centuries later and continue to guide Vincentians today: ‘Deal with the most urgent needs. Organise charity so that it is more efficient… educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to obtain reforms in structure… there is no charity without justice,’ he said.

‘Vincent de Paul’s compassionate leadership and advocacy transformed the care for those in need, inspiring generations of Vincentians,’ Mr Gaetani said. ‘Canonised in 1737 and designated as patron of charitable associations in 1883, his Feast Day is a moment to reaffirm the Society’s mission of bringing Christ’s justice and love to the oppressed.’

On 7 September, the Society will celebrate the canonisation of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian whose faith and activism were deeply intertwined with the St Vincent de Paul Society. Despite family opposition, Pier Giorgio’s devotion shone through simple acts of kindness: giving away his shoes to a child in need, sacrificing personal comforts for the poor, and using his resources to aid those less fortunate.

Pier Giorgio joined the Society at 17 years of age and saw service as the highest expression of faith. His deep involvement drove him to become a mining engineer so he could ‘serve Christ better among the miners’ and actively promote Catholic Social Teaching. Known for his courage, charisma, and athletic pursuits, Pier Giorgio embodied Christian joy and selflessness.

At just 24, Pier Giorgio succumbed to polio, likely contracted during his ministry among the sick. His last thoughts remained with the poor, underscoring a life shaped by love in action. Today, he is Patron of World Youth Day and Vincentian Youth, described by Pope John Paul II as a ‘Man of the Beatitudes’, a role model for young people and Vincentians everywhere.

‘This September, the Society invites Australians to join in prayer, reflection, and community service, renewing the legacy of our Saints and founder whose vision of love and justice continues to change lives,’ Mr Gaetani said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au