A Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community is happening now…
Young Vincentian Excellence Awards
Vincentians from around the US are invited to nominate emerging young Vincentian servant leaders from their Conferences, Councils and Special Works for Young Vincentian Excellence Awards which will be presented at the National Assembly in Louisville, KY in August.
We are asking Vincentians from the US to nominate a young person who serves the Society in their area (SVdP USA) who embodies servant leadership and has a passion towards the Vincentian Charism.
Requirements
Nominee must be involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA in some capacity (ie. Youth Conference, Youth University Conference, Adult Conference, Special Works, etc.).
Age groups
Youth 16-18 (High School) or Youth University (18-University age)
Young Adults (18-40)
Include photos, volunteer logs, etc if possible
Nomination form must be submitted via email to: YYAEL@svdpusa.org by May 15, 2025
Emmanuel Bailly guided Frédéric Ozanam and his friends along their Vincentian pathway. As the leader of the University discussion group, the Conference of History—which later evolved into the Conference of Charity and ultimately the Society of St. Vincent de Paul—Bailly played a pivotal role in nurturing their mission.
Bailly owned a printing shop where students could gather to drink coffee, read the news, and engage in discussions and debates. His hospitality created a welcoming space for intellectual and spiritual growth. Though the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was started by college students, it was Bailly’s support, wisdom, and guidance—along with the influence of Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu—that allowed the organization to take root and flourish.
Young Vincentian conferences today benefit from similar mentorship roles. That’s where you come in.
“You have accustomed us to look upon you as the rallying point, the advisor, and the friend of young Christian youth. Your past favors have given us the right to count on future ones. Those you have done for me encourage me to hope for the same for my friends.”
– Frédéric Ozanam to Emmanuel Bailly, November 3, 1834
The Founding of the Society The founders of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are often described as “six young college students and an older gentleman.” That gentleman was Emmanuel Bailly—though, at only thirty-nine years old, he wasn’t as old as they made him seem!
Bailly deserves recognition for his contributions to both the Society’s founding and the restoration of Catholicism in post-revolutionary France. While Frédéric Ozanam brought bold vision, enthusiasm, and an ability to unite like-minded peers, it was Bailly who provided the practical foundations: his experience, reputation, and financial resources.
Bailly’s newspaper office, Tribune Catholique, became a hub for students. This space fostered spirited discussions, guided by Bailly’s wisdom and participation. It was here that, in April 1833, Ozanam and his friends shared their plans for charitable work. The first meeting of the Society took place at Bailly’s office on April 23, 1833. Bailly not only presided as the group’s first president but also established the structure of the meetings, which included readings, reflections, and a closing hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bailly’s leadership extended beyond logistics. He connected the group with Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity working in the Mouffetard district, who taught the young members the practicalities of home visits to the poor. His steady guidance and experience prevented pitfalls the students might not have anticipated, providing them with the stability and legitimacy needed for the Society to grow.
Continuing Bailly’s Legacy Emmanuel Bailly’s role as a mentor and supporter is a reminder of the collaborative spirit required to nurture new leaders. Today’s Vincentians can follow in his footsteps by creating spaces of fellowship, guiding young members, and connecting them to service opportunities.
Introducing youth and young adults to the Vincentian way offers them a sense of mission and equips them to address both physical and spiritual needs. It fosters growth in friendship, leadership, and compassion, forming leaders with hearts full of mercy for those they serve.
How will you follow Bailly’s legacy and mentor the next generation of Vincentians?
Every time I come back to today’s Gospel, the parable of the prodigal son, I am struck by something different. There are so many aspects of the parable that stand out but one that I always think about is in Luke 15: 20 which says “So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” I love this passage because it hits very close to home. How many times have we fallen, made a mistake, or in some way hurt our relationship with God? But every time God comes running to us with open arms. He sees us from a long way off and comes to us. In Lent, we are working on drawing closer to God as we journey with Jesus through the desert. Traveling through the desert is not easy and we make mistakes, but when we choose to get back up and try again God, like a good father, runs to us.
