Media Release
Shivamogga, Sep 28: The diocesan society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Convention, ‘Sevanubhava 2026', was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, on September 27. Around 80 members representing 12 SVP Conferences participated in the convention.
The participating conferences represented the following parishes: St Anthony’s Church, Karehally; St Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, Mavinakere; Assumption Church, Hiriyur; St Joseph the Worker Church, Paper Town; Our Lady of Velankanni Church, Old Town, Bhadravathi; Good Shepherd Church, Gopala; Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravathi; St Anthony’s Church, Ragigudda, Sharavathinagar; Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathinagara; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tirthahalli; Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga; and St Anthony’s Church, Hosanagara.
The programme began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Msgr Stany D’Souza, with Fr Franklin D’Souza and Fr Pius D’Souza concelebrating. In his homily, Fr Franklin D’Souza reflected on the readings of the 26th Sunday of ordinary time, highlighting the themes of repentance, humility, making the right choices and having a clear goal in life. He connected these themes with the Vincentian call to examine one’s life and remain committed to serving people in need.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the participants took part in a Bible procession from the Cathedral to Snehasadana Hall, where the main convention programme was held.
The formal inauguration was compered by Paulose, vice-president of the SVP Central Council. Alwyn Crasta, president of the Bhadravathi Area Council, delivered the welcome address, while the opening prayer was led by Msgr Stany D’Souza. The introductory address was delivered by Vincent D’Mello, president of the Shivamogga Area Council.
The convention was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Msgr Stany D’Souza, vicar general of the diocese of Shimoga, delegate of the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Shimoga, and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga; Alwyn Crasta, president of the Bhadravathi Area Council; Vincent D’Mello, president of the Shivamogga Area Council; Fr Franklin D’Souza, SVP spiritual director; and William Martis, president of the SVP Central Council of the diocese of Shimoga.
In his inaugural address, Msgr Stany D’Souza emphasized that faith must be expressed through action, noting that faith without works has no meaning. He highlighted the close relationship between faith, service and God the Father, stressing that Vincentian service should be rooted in love and expressed through concrete acts of service. He encouraged the members to make their faith visible through their concern for and service to people in need.
Fr Franklin D’Souza led a session entitled ‘Jesus’ style of relationship’. He reflected on the importance of compassion, listening, acceptance and personal accompaniment in Vincentian service. This was followed by eucharistic adoration led by Fr Franklin D’Souza with the support of Fr Glanson D’Souza.
After lunch the programme resumed with the sharing of good practices among the SVP conferences. Members presented their experiences and initiatives, followed by updates and information from the SVP Central Council.
The spiritual director addressed the gathering and encouraged the members to continue their service with dedication and commitment. William Martis delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the clergy, SVP leaders, organizers and participating conferences. He specially thanked Fr Franklin D’Souza, SVP spiritual director, for his encouragement, guidance and initiative in making the convention meaningful and fruitful.
The convention concluded with the final prayer and blessing by Fr Franklin D’Souza.
‘Sevanubhava 2026’ provided an opportunity for SVP members from across the diocese to come together, strengthen fellowship, share experiences and learn from one another. The gathering concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the conferences to continue their service to people in need with compassion, dedication and commitment.