Was this overambitious?  Probably.  Anyway, the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Longford in 1861- who were soon immersed in education - must have relieved those brave men of the Society of some of their concern.  But the Society has been involved over the years in helping to provide meals for school going children or helping families who had need of extra financial help for uniforms and shoes for their children.

The passing of the years has seen many changes in Ireland which have impacted on the work of the St Vincent de Paul Conferences in our Diocese.  There have been times when the Longford Conference moved into a new gear, as it were.  In 1969, forty years ago, Ozanam House, the Headquarters of the Conference was opened.  I consider that building, which is in close proximity to the Cathedral, to have more than practical value.  It symbolises the fact that the work of charity that is done by the Society is rightly at the centre of the life of the parish and the diocese.  The development of two important places of refuge on the Dublin Road, St Martha's and Bethany, added another dimension to the place that the Society plays in reaching out to the most urgent needs of people who are homeless.  One of these provides beds and a first meal of the day for men the other accommodation for women and their children.

Through its responses to changing circumstances and new kinds of need, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has created an awareness in our community of our responsibilities arising from Catholic social teaching.  It is not an exaggeration to say that without its influence, we in Ireland would be less caring as Christian people.

The St Vincent de Paul Society faces new challenges now.  To fulfil its role its cadre of volunteers will need to be augmented.  Several years ago women began to be recruited, giving a new life and vigour to the organisation.  A new initiative is now needed.  If the present members of our Conferences are to have successors, we need to be introducing young people to the work now.  School based Junior Conferences already exist in some of our Catholic Secondary Schools.  I now appeal to others to follow that lead.  The Founders of the Society were young students.  We need the energy and generosity of our young students as much now as in their day.

While in Lourdes last week with our Diocesan Pilgrimage this celebration was on my mind.  Then as I carried the monstrance into the underground Basilica of St Pius X, I noticed that over the particular entrance through which I was coming was a large picture of the Founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Blessed Frederick Ozanam.  Unlike the other pictures of holy people in the basilica, his has a quotation alongside his picture.  It says: "that love must do what justice alone would not have the capacity to achieve".  These words are especially apt for now.

There are big gaps between what people see as their right to State assistance and what they can realistically hope to receive.  Very often it will be the Society of St Vincent de Paul which will come to the rescue for some of those hardest hit in recessionary times.  In the name of those in greatest need in the community I thank the Society of St Vincent de Paul for 150 years of service in the Church's name.