Report: Richard D'Souza

Udupi, Dec 10: The feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary and diocese convention of Society of St Vincent de Paul was held on Sunday December 9 at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of the diocese.

The programme began with a traditional invocation of prayers for St Vincent de Paul conducted by Fr Fredrick D’Souza, diocesan spiritual director and parish priest of Manipal Church. The programme was inaugurated by Fr Fredrick D’Souza and all present on the dais by lighting the traditional lamp.

In his spiritual address Fr Fredrick D’souza said that St Vincent de Paul which spread over more than 165 countries in the world will continue to grow. The youth began the society in Europe to serve the needy. The society started in 1926 in Bendur, here. Presently, all churches in the Udupi diocese and the society serve the people with the intention to serve God and work out a solution for the needy. The society which works on the lines of love has no expiry date.

All the five area council secretaries placed a brief report of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Retd Professor Alban Rodrigues of Shirva was the resource person.

Addressing the members, Alban Rodrigues explained the reason for choosing to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary by the Vincentians all over the world. He pointed out how the members feel as part of the SSVP. In order to have spiritual growth, SSVP helps by serving the poor of the poorest and needy. Through love and service of the SSVP members, one can see God. Secondly, he pointed out the nature of every SSVP conference. SSVP does not need publicity to serve the needy which other associations like Rotary and Lions do. The society members serve the poor in their witness of Jesus our God. Thirdly, Alban Rodrigues pointed out the society’s spirit to serve the needy. The society member's spirit should be on the principle of 'charity begins at home', the spirit must serve God
through needy people of the world. The society members should know the services required for the needy. Fourthly, he pointed out that there are a lot of differences between the service of the SSVP and other associations which also serve the needy.

Fr Fredrick D’Souza took the oath from the newly installed members of all the conferences of the diocese. In his presiding address, Bro Grecian Buthello, diocesan president of SSVP thanked all the concerned for their support and guidance for the new diocese of Udupi installed. He pointed out some of the points in relation to the conference's accounts and audit procedures. Most of the members did not know about the rules and regulations of the society, hence there is need for them to be read out in the conferences' weekly meetings. He said all the conferences should offer four masses in a year which some of the conferences are unaware of.

Bro Gracian Buthello interacted with the members and clarified their doubts.

Bro Peter Martis, vice president, Bro Felix Pinto vice president, Bro Fredrick Sequiera general secretary, Bro Boniface D’Souza honorary treasurer and Bro Monteiro officer were present on the dais.

Bro Peter Martis welcomed the gatherings. Bro Fredrick Sequiera proposed the vote of thanks and Bro Anthony compered the programme. More than 500 members were present during the convention.

After the stage programme, all the members went in procession to Milagres Cathedral. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese concelebrated the eucharistic mass along with Fr Fredrick D’Souza, Fr Chetan Lobo Capuchin, PRO and editor of Uzwad and Fr Canute Noronha assistant parish priest of Milagres Cathedral.

In his homily, Fr Chetan Lobo described the characteristics of the Vincentians and how they could proceed on the path to reach God. The Vincentians are eager to see the savior of world through their various services.

At the end of the mass, Bro Grecian Buthello thanked the bishop for his marvelous support and guidance during his five year term as diocesan president of SSVP. He also thanked the choir of SSVP Youth Conference of Infant Jesus Church, Pilar.

In his message, the bishop appreciated the diocesan president for his outstanding and marvelous services through SSVP. He also appreciated the SSVP members for their mission to overcome the solutions of the needy in the diocese.

A fellowship lunch was served to all the participants of the convention which is held once in 5 years at diocese level. More than 500 Vincentians in the diocese participated in the convention with unity and love for one another.