Report : Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Sep 29: With deep devotion and a strong sense of community, the Bondel unit of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) joyfully celebrated the feast of its patron, St Vincent de Paul, on Sunday, September 27.

The celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass at 7 am at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel. The holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and rector, and concelebrated by Dn Roshan Goveas, SJ. The liturgy was prayerfully led by the members of the SVP Society, who participated actively in the various liturgical services.

Following the Mass, a short commemorative programme was held at 8 am in the Church Mini Hall. The programme began with a prayer invoking god’s blessings, led by Fr Basil Vas. In the presence of Fr Basil Vas and Fr Valerian Frank, resident priest, the members of the SVP solemnly renewed their oath, reaffirming their commitment to the spirit of charity and service.

Prakash Pinto, president of SVP Bondel, warmly welcomed the gathering. The gathering also fondly remembered the late Joseph Francis D’Souza, former president of SVP Bondel. An obituary was presented by Ronald Lasrado, recalling his dedicated service and valuable contribution to the Society. Prayers were offered for the repose of his soul, with heartfelt gratitude for his service.

Present on the dais were Fr Basil Vas, Fr Valerian Frank, John D’Silva, vice-president, Alwyn Saldanha- secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Prakash Pinto, president of SVP Bondel; Gratian Lobo, secretary; and Shiny Monteiro, treasurer of the SVP.

In his message on the occasion of the feast, Fr Basil Vas highlighted the vital role played by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the parish. He encouraged the faithful to support the mission of the SVP and prayerfully consider becoming members of the Society. Referring to the example of their patron, St Vincent de Paul, renowned for his compassion and tireless service to the poor and needy, he reminded the gathering that the charitable works of the SVP are a continuation of God’s mission of love, mercy and compassion.

As part of the programme, two members of the adopted families, Sangeetha Almeida and Shanti Pinto, shared their personal experiences and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support and care extended to them by the SVP. Their sharing highlighted the meaningful impact of the Society’s service in the lives of families in need.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Gratian Lobo, while teacher Olivia D’Sa served as the emcee. Refreshments were served to all the participants. The celebration concluded on a joyful and prayerful note as all the SVP members united in singing the hymn dedicated to their patron, St Vincent de Paul.

A visit of love and service: Following the parish celebration, the SVP members continued their mission of charity by visiting De Mercede Ashram, Paneer, Mangaluru. As a gesture of love and concern, they brought groceries and food items for the residents. Lunch was served to the inmates, and the members spent meaningful time with them through games, songs and fellowship.

The visit reflected the true spirit of St Vincent de Paul—seeing Christ in those who are in need and serving them with love, dignity and compassion. The feast celebration thus became not merely a commemoration, but a living expression of faith through charity and service.