“From the Archives” — The Saint Vincent de Paul Society

“Whatsoever you do for My brothers and sisters, that you do unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) has been active at Saint Mary since 1868. Organized by a small group of parish businessmen, the Society raised money to help the poor of Alexandria. Richard L. Carne was the first president. The SVdP charter states its purpose: “Assisting widows, orphans or the poor; or the establishment of schools or houses of refuge or asylum, to receive such donations or bequests as may be made by charitably disposed persons.”

Michael Ahern (1847-1920) exemplified these ideals. An astute businessman, he purchased houses and rented them to poor persons at affordable rates. The money from one rental was used to purchase the next house. Eventually, he owned 17 houses, which he bequeathed to the SVdP, along with the property at Prince and West Streets where his grocery store and liquor business was located, now Christ House.

Michael O’Sullivan (1863-1952) succeeded his friend Michael Ahern and remained president of the Society until his death in 1952. Like Ahern, he was in the grocery, liquor and real estate businesses, the path many of Alexandria’s Irishmen followed to financial success. The Society continued to provide low-income housing. It also provided food, clothing, school tuition and other necessities to indigent families. The organization worked quietly; many parishioners did not know it existed. Anyone needing help could go to the rectory, which would call O’Sullivan, or go directly to his house on the 200 block of South Pitt Street, ask and receive what was needed. Assistance was immediate and direct; there was no administrative red tape. And, importantly, those receiving aid maintained their dignity.

SVdP maintained its rental houses for many years. One house was sold in the 1970s to purchase a new organ for the church. More recently, it was decided to sell the old houses and invest the money to provide rent support and other assistance to those in need. The Society continues to be active today, providing emergency rent vouchers, jobs, transportation, and paying medical and utility bills. Without help from Saint Vincent de Paul, many people could fall through the cracks. — Kitty Guy, Parish Historian

Our Basilica of Saint Mary SVdP needs additional volunteers to continue its important work. To learn more, you are invited to attend their open house on Wednesday, November 8,  from 7 to 9 p.m. at 316 Duke Street. Also learn more at https://youtu.be/y5saRgoXiT8 or contact [email protected].