Recognizing 125 years of serving those in need

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said a 125-year anniversary was reason to celebrate.
But something even more important to celebrate was the No. 19.
Archbishop Rodi celebrated an anniversary Mass on Oct. 23 at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in recognition of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's more than 125 years of service in the archdiocese.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is also going strong in the archdiocese as there are SVdP conferences at 19 different parishes throughout the archdiocese, spanning from St. Mary Parish in Opelika and Holy Spirit Parish in Montgomery to parishes in Mobile and Baldwin counties. 
During the last fiscal year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provided more than $875,000 of aid to the poor and needy in the southern half of Alabama during the latest fiscal year.
Aid can come in a variety of ways, such as direct financial aid to needy families for help with utilities, rent and food; or items donated to the SVdP such as food, clothing and furniture.
SVdP is the largest lay Catholic charitable organization in the world, with Vincentians now serving the poor in 151 countries.
— For more Society of St. Vincent de Paul, or to refer someone to SVDP who needs help, visit www.svdpmobilecouncil.org, or call 251-243-4061.