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 their patron, St Vincent de Paul.

The celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass at 7 am in St Lawrence Church, Bondel, presided over by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant priest. The liturgy was prayerfully led by members of the SVP society.

Following the Mass, a short programme was held at 8 am in the church mini hall. The event began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings, led by SVP members. In the presence of Fr Lawrence Cutinha and Fr Peter Gonsalves, the members of the SVP society solemnly renewed their oath.

Prakash Pinto, president of SVP Bondel, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, after which Shiney Monteiro, the society’s treasurer, presented the annual report highlighting the year’s key activities and achievements.

Present on the dais were Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest; John D’Silva, vice president of the parish pastoral council; Prakash Pinto, president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul; Gratian Lobo, secretary; and Shiney Monteiro, treasurer of the SVP.

In his message on the occasion of the feast, Fr Peter Gonsalves highlighted the vital role of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the parish, encouraging the faithful to support its mission and prayerfully consider becoming members. Taking the example of their patron, St Vincent de Paul, renowned for his compassion and tireless service to the poor, he reminded everyone that the SVP’s charitable works continue God’s own mission of love and mercy, especially through their dedicated service to the needy.

John D’Silva, vice president of the parish pastoral council, congratulated the SVP members on the occasion of the feast day, commending their dedicated work and selfless service in the parish. He appreciated their commitment to uplifting the needy and promoting God’s mission of love and compassion. He also encouraged them to continue their noble efforts and wished them every success in their ongoing and future endeavours, inspiring all present to support and participate in this meaningful mission.

As Bondel SVP celebrates its golden jubilee (1975–2025), parishioner and donor Bonaventure D’Souza generously contributed 15 cents of land for a house project in honour of this milestone. Lawrence Cutinha, engineer, graced the occasion and encouraged everyone to support this noble cause of the SVP.

Adding to the celebrations, games were organised for the attendees, and prizes were distributed. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Gratian Lobo, while Shiney Monteiro compered the programme. Refreshments were served to all participants.

All SVP members united in singing the patron’s hymn, bringing the programme to a heartfelt conclusion. Following the celebration, the members visited Prashanth Nivas, Jeppu Ashram, bringing groceries and food items as a gesture of love and service.