Media Release

Shivamogga, Feb 17: The St Vincent de Paul Society of the diocese of Shimoga has been promoted to central council status on February 16.

On February 16, Dr Francis Serrao, S J, bishop of the diocese of Shimoga, offered Mass. Msgr Stany D'Souza, vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral; Fr Franklin D'Souza, diocesan spiritual director of SVP; Fr Robert D'Mello of Soraba; Fr George Lobo from the diocese of Gulbarga; Fr Roshan Pinto, director of Sannidhi; Fr Veeresh Moras of Tirthahalli; Fr Dominic Kristuraj, SDB, from Bhadravati; and Fr Paul Anand Prasad of Shivamogga were the concelebrants.

During the Mass, the newly elected president of the newly erected Shimoga Central Council, William Martis, took the oath. The oath-taking ceremony was led by Central Council national president Jude Mangalaraj.

After Mass, an official function was organized at Sneha Sadan, the church hall. Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, Msgr Stany D'Souza, Fr Franklin D'Souza, Fr Binoy, Jude Mangalaraj, Walter Martis, and William Martis offered felicitations as the Shimoga diocese SVP was elevated to the status of Central Council. They were felicitated for their service. Each speaker noted the SVP's commitment and dedicated service.

Deeksha D'Mello compered the programme. Alphonse presented a report on the last 20 years. Vincent D'Mello proposed a vote of thanks. Members from the Udupi Central Council and Mangaluru Central Council were present. All units from Shimoga and the diocese of Bhadravati were present.

The Shimoga Central Council is the 88th central council in India. It consists of the Shimoga Area Council, the Bhadravati Area Council, and the diocese of Bhadravati.