Society of St Vincent de Paul Commemorates a Century of Service with Centenary Celebration
Mangaluru: The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), one of the largest Catholic lay charity organizations in the world, is poised to commemorate a significant milestone in its history with the inauguration of its Centenary Celebration in the Mangalore Catholic Diocese. This momentous event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Bejai Church Hall, where members, beneficiaries, and dignitaries will gather to honor a century of dedicated service to the community.
The inauguration ceremony will be a hallmark of the celebration, graced by the esteemed presence of Msgr Very Rev Fr Maxim Noronha, the Vicar General of the Mangalore Diocese, who will officially unveil the Centenary Logo. The event will also feature Rev Fr Francis Dsouza, the spiritual advisor of the Mangalore Central Council, who will present the Centenary Theme. Furthermore, Rev Fr Dr J B Saldana, the Diocesan PRO and Parish Priest of Bejai, will launch the Centenary Projects. The gathering will be further enriched by the participation of Br Walter Martis, Coordinator of the Western India Regional Council, and Br Gilbert Pinto, former Central Council President, alongside the incumbent Central Council President, Br Joe Coelho, and other office bearers.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has deep roots in Mangalore, having been established in January 1926, with its mission commencing in the Bendore parish. Remarkably, the Milagres unit was created within the same month, followed by the establishment of two additional units in May of that year at the Rosario Cathedral and Bejai parishes. Over the past century, SSVP has significantly expanded its reach throughout the diocese, currently operating 111 units across various parishes, including three youth units, boasting a total membership of 1,539 active members and numerous volunteers.
At the core of SSVP’s mission is an unwavering commitment to visiting the poor, sick, and needy, providing relief and support in a manner that upholds the dignity and self-respect of those they serve. Each unit adopts a minimum of five families, ensuring that they are cared for as if they were their own. Presently, the Mangalore Central Council has adopted 623 families, encompassing 1,765 members, reflecting the organization’s dedication to community welfare.
Among the notable initiatives currently being implemented by SSVP is the Diamond Jubilee Health Scheme, which provides free medical care and dialysis services to adopted families. This initiative is executed in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College Hospital and Thumbay Hospital, ensuring that members receive essential healthcare services, thereby addressing critical health needs within the community.
In celebration of its centenary, SSVP has outlined several ambitious projects aimed at furthering its mission. Among these are:
SHIKAP (Education): This initiative aims to provide educational aid to 405 students from adopted families, ensuring that they have access to the resources needed for their academic success.
ASRO (Shelter): This project is designed to assist 100 families in building or repairing their homes, addressing the critical need for safe and secure shelter.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul traces its origins to 1833 in Paris, France, where it was founded by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his six companions, who were predominantly in their early twenties. Today, SSVP has expanded its reach to 158 countries, boasting over 800,000 members and more than one million volunteers worldwide. It stands as the largest lay service organization within the Catholic Church and holds Observer status at the United Nations.
In India, SSVP was established in 1863 in Bombay and has since grown to encompass 7,225 units and 65,546 members across the nation. The organization continues to thrive, adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of communities while remaining committed to its core mission of serving the less fortunate.
A press meet was held today at the Press Club in Mangaluru, attended by key figures including Joe Coelho (President, Central Council), Ligoury Fernandes (Secretary, Central Council), Clarence Machado (Treasurer, Central Council), Mrs. Philomena Menezes (Convener, Centenary Celebration Committee), and Loyd Rego (Convener, Media Committee). During the press meeting, details regarding the centenary celebrations and the impact of SSVP’s initiatives were discussed, emphasizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to charitable works.
In conclusion, the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the Mangalore Diocese stands as a testament to a century of unwavering commitment to charity, compassion, and community service. As it embarks on its centenary celebrations, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission and expanding its outreach to those in need, embodying the spirit of service that has defined its existence for the past 100 years.