The Society's first ‘special work'
In October 1855, the first special work of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia was commenced with the laying of the foundation stone for the St Vincent de Paul Orphanage located in Emerald Hill (later South Melbourne).
On his arrival in 1850, Fr Gerald Ward witnessed the dire circumstances of children being deserted by parents and carers and experiencing homelessness as a result of Victoria's gold rush. His concern and dedication led him to swiftly establish the St Vincent de Paul orphanage. Its foundation stone was laid in 1855, and the first children were accepted in 1857. In 1861, the Society transitioned management of the orphanage to the Sisters of Mercy.
As part of our recent commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the St Vincent de Paul Society, a poignant unveiling ceremony unfolded on the grounds of the MacKillop Family Services in South Melbourne.
The construction of the building that now hosts the MacKillop Family Services traces its origins to the Society's Australian founder, Fr Gerald Ward.
Recruited to work in the Melbourne mission by the pioneer priest Fr Patrick Geoghegan, Fr Ward arrived in Australia in 1850.
Fr Ward established the St Vincent de Paul Society on 5 March 1854 at St Francis' Church, Melbourne.
After witnessing the dire circumstances of children being deserted by parents and carers and experiencing homelessness, Fr Ward’s dedication led him to swiftly establish the St Vincent de Paul orphanage in South Melbourne. Its foundation stone was laid in October 1855, and the first children were accepted in 1857.
State President Mark Gaetani reflected on the orphanage’s historical significance, stating: “This is the Society's first special work in the country, and to see the footprint around Australia and the services that we are offering is a result of it.”
Moving promptly on to focus on other desperately needed support forms, in 1861, after only four years of operation, the St Vincent de Paul Society transitioned the orphanage to the Sisters of Mercy, ensuring ongoing support for boys and girls.
Despite the transfer, the enduring connection with the St Vincent de Paul Society persisted in keeping its original name. A century-old statue of the Saint was also installed as a timeless symbol of compassion and service, standing as a testament to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s legacy with references to it dating back to 5 March 1854.
Over the years, however, standing as a silent witness to countless acts of kindness inspired by St Vincent de Paul’s principles, the statue showed signs of wear and tear. In a determined effort to preserve its physical, spiritual and cultural significance, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria had the statue restored.
St Vincent de Paul Society's Northern Central Council President Brendan Podbury, leading the project, expressed joy at seeing the statue restored to its former glory, adorned with a new plaque to commemorate the 170th anniversary, unveiled by Mark Gaetani and Victorian State President Michael Quinn.
Michael reflected on the occasion, expressing that Fr Gerald Ward would undoubtedly be proud to witness the enduring impact and growth of St Vincent de Paul Society.
Dr Robyn Miller, CEO of the MacKillop Family Services, shared her appreciation of the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society across the state and the country.
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