It’s September already, which means spring has officially arrived, bringing with it that wonderful sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. For many Vincentians living in the cooler parts of the country, the new season is especially welcome, with warmer days and shorter nights on the way. And as winter fades, so does the seasonal demand for cold-weather clothing, blankets and heating bill relief the Society provides to increasingly more Australian households in financial stress.

September is always a special month for the Society as we honour two significant Feast Days: that of our founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam on 9 September, and of our namesake, Saint Vincent de Paul on 27 September. This year, we also celebrate the canonisation by Pope Leo XIV on 7 September of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, for whom the Society in Italy formed a central part of his life. (Turn to page 6 to read more about the Society’s newest saint.)

Just two decades after Frédéric founded the St Vincent de Paul Society in the turbulent streets of Paris in 1833, the first Australian Conference was established in Victoria in 1854 during the gold rush. This was a time of rapid growth for the fledging organisation, as the Society continued to spread its Good Works across Australia and around the world. By 1865, the first Conference in Western Australia was set up, and I was delighted to visit Perth recently for the opening of the 160 Years exhibition marking this milestone. (Read more about this milestone on page 10.)

Reflecting on the Society’s 160-year history in WA, it’s timely both to celebrate our achievements and to look ahead. Today, the Society’s original mission to provide practical help to the poor remains as vital as ever, as poverty and hardship persist. Across the nation, the Society’s Members, volunteers and staff continue to ‘serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy,’ advancing our mission to build a fairer and more compassionate Australia for all.

September is also significant as National Council invites Conferences around Australia to participate in Revitalisation Month; a time to reconnect with our Vincentian vocation, to reflect on our works, and to draw inspiration for the road ahead. This is an opportunity for each Conference to renew the Society’s energy, to share hope-filled stories, and to strengthen the bonds within our communities and our network of parishes. I encourage each Conference to highlight the life-changing contributions of our Members, to foster collaboration, and to refresh our shared commitment to helping those most in need.

“The hands behind the help” is the theme of Revitalisation Month, chosen by the National Membership Network and supported by National Council. This theme highlights the diversity of Good Works and the many people whose efforts, large and small, make a difference every day. I encourage you all to share your stories of how your Conference lives out the Vincentian values, and to join in celebrating our continued journey as we follow in Christ’s footsteps.

As outlined in The Rule 1.6 and The Vincentian Way, the Society constantly strives for renewal, adapting to changing world conditions. By listening, reflecting, and learning from one another, we keep the spirit and mission of the Society alive. Please consider sharing your wisdom, experiences, and stories as we journey together, and invite people who are new to the Society or curious about our Good Works to join us.