Pics : Rony

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Sep 24: The Society of St Vincent de Paul Society of Bondel celebrated its patron St. Vincent de Paul feast on Sunday, September 24.

The Eucharistic mass was celebrated by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza. In his homily Fr Andrew pointed out the role of St Vincent de Paul to the poorest of the poor. His life was preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor, which became his passion. The liturgy of 7.00 am Mass was conducted by the members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

A short programme was held at the church Mini hall at 8.00 am. The programme began with a prayer invoking Gods Blessings. The SVP members made pledge of Vincentians was administered by Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza. Neris D’Sa, president of the SVP, welcomed the gathering with an annual report.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza parish priest, John D’Silva - vice president Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh Misquith - secretary Parish Pastoral Council, Neris D’Sa president SVP, Naveen Correa secretory SVP, Shiney Monteiro were present at the Dias.

On the occasion of Fr Andrew’s Diamond Birthday, SVP members arranged a cake. The cake was cut by Fr Andrew while all sang “Happy Birthday”. Stany Alvares, on behalf of the SVP members, thanked God for giving us such a loving parish priest who kept us parishioners in God’s love and always ready to help and guide us to live as followers of Christ Jesus.

Fr Andrew D’Souza in his address said that the words of Jesus . Matthew 25:40- 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. ’, “We all have to live our life in church as one family. Let all of us take him as our role model in real life and help others in their needy times.

While congratulating the SVP members for doing good work for the poor and needy people since 48 years , he explained that society has done many good deeds by building houses and providing food grains and other things to the poor and advised the members to continue the good work of Fredrick Ozanam..

Santhosh Misquith – secretory Parish Pastoral Council said “ Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others “Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return. “ Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. He congratulated the members of the St Vincent De Paul society, Bondel, not only the members but there are others who are not members but always lend a helping hand. Indirectly, they are also members of SVP.

Wilfred Alvares president Catholic Sabha, City Varado- I am grateful to SVP Bondel unit for rendering their selfless service to the poor & needy “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. He congratulated the members of the St Vincent De Paul society.

Naveen Correa proposed a vote of thanks. Stany Alvares compered the programme. Snacks were served to all the members, well wishers , donors and adopted members of the SVP. The programme concluded with a hymn “Moja lana Bhavank.