170 Years of Serving the Poor in South Africa! 

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Top Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka receives a commemorative candle from Winston Fortuin Cape Town Central president Bottom SSVP Members gather at the Maitland Cemetery
Top: Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka receives a commemorative candle from Winston Fortuin, Cape Town Central president. Bottom: SSVP Members gather at the Maitland Cemetery.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) gathered in Cape Town to celebrate a milestone -170 years of compassionate service on 27 September!

Founded at St Mary’s Cathedral in 1856 by Alexander Wilmot, SSVP has grown from a single conference into a nationwide movement that has touched countless lives across South Africa and beyond.

Members walked in procession at Maitland Cemetery to lay a wreath at founder Alexander Wilmot’s grave, joined by his great-great-granddaughter Emma-Jane Henry and her mother, Julia.

Fr Mark Pothier and Fr Charles Prince celebrated Mass at Christ the King in Pinelands, where members renewed their dedication to serving those in need.

Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka made a special appearance, praising members for sharing whatever they have with the poor. National President Vincent Williams shared a special message from International President General Juan Manuel B Gómez. 

Tomb of St Vincent de Paul in Parish
Tomb of St Vincent de Paul in Paris. Photo: Gunther Simmermacher

Read about St Vincent de Paul’s life: From Slave to Saint of Charity

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