News and Pics: Arun Valdar
Daijiworld Media Network—Bantwal (CN)

Bantwal, Mar 19: “See Christ in the needy and help them unconditionally, said Fr Godfrey Saldhana, who was the chief guest at the silver jubilee celebration of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), Loreto unit, held recently.

The SVP unit was established in 1984 by Fr Saldanha, who was the parish priest at the time.

A thanksgiving mass was concelebrated by Fr Saldanha and Fr Cyprian Pinto, spiritual director, Loreto SVP.  Later, a stage function organized at the Loreto Matha Sabha Bhawan was attended by SVP members of 13 parishads belonging to Bantwal Particular Council, donors, well-wishers, and members of beneficiary families.

Bro Benedict D’ Souza, president, Bantwal Particular Council, gave away the mementos to members who have left SVP due to various reasons. 

Fr Edwin Correa, spiritual director, Bantwal Particular Council, honoured the benefactors while Bro Albert Sequiera, central president, SVP, honoured three members on completing 25 years in service. 

Fr Saldanha was honoured by Fr Pinto along with Maurice D’Souza and Janet Pasanna, who have made endowments.  Bro Gilbert Pinto, former central president and western region co-ordinator, were also felicitated on the occasion.

Bro Cyril Rodrigues welcomed the guests while Bro Joe Coelho read the report and announced the mission statement ‘Education for the Needy’. 

Bro Walter Noronha compered the programme and Bro Hubert Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.  Bro George Noronha, vice-president, SVP, and Bro Richard D’ Souza,  president, SVP, graced the occasion.