Archbishop Richard Moth announced as new Patron of the SVP

Source: St Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) today announced the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Richard Moth as a Patron. Archbishop Moth will lend his support to the SVP's mission of tackling poverty and providing practical assistance to those in need across England and Wales.

Archbishop Moth, who was appointed the 12th Archbishop of Westminster at a service in Westminster Cathedral on the 14th February, has a long-standing relationship with the SVP. Whilst serving as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, he was Patron of the St Vincent's Centre, Brighton (Tower House), a dedicated centre offering a variety of services and social activities for the over-50s in Brighton & Hove and one of the charity's 11 Community Support Projects offering help, advice and support to people in some of the country's most deprived areas.

Archbishop Moth said: "The work the SVP does across our communities is so important and an example of the service to which we are all called, to help the most vulnerable, poorest and marginalised in society, wherever they are found. The mission carried out by SVP members reflects the power of service and the significance of protecting the human dignity of those we encounter who are in need, regardless of background or circumstance."

In his homily at his Mass of Installation, Archbishop Moth spoke of, "Christ-like Service, that brings Faith, Love and Hope to a world that, in our present age, cries out for Hope."

"This chimes with the mission of the SVP and what our members, staff and volunteers strive to achieve, daily," commented SVP CEO, Kate Nightingale. She continued, "Archbishop Moth has spoken of the value and dignity of every person, the protection of the vulnerable and the plight of the refugee and the dispossessed. This encapsulates the work of the SVP and our mission to seek out and help those in need."

"We are delighted and deeply grateful that Archbishop Moth can offer his name and support to the SVP by becoming a Patron. His support will be a beacon for our work and help raise awareness of our mission which is increasingly vital in so many communities across England and Wales."

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a front-line grass roots charity, dedicated to helping individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, and other forms of hardship. It has been active in England and Wales for over 181 years. The charity has continued to see the number of requests for help increase. Each year it reaches over 50,000 people in offering support that includes material and practical assistance, visiting and befriending and supporting families struggling to make ends meet, rough sleepers and isolated older people. Existing SVP patrons are Sir John Battle and Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk.

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