St Vincent De Paul Day Celebration by SSVP Back

St Vincent De Paul Day Celebration by SSVP

The Festive Mass of Society of Saint Vincent De Paul (SSVP) was celebrated during the 7.00 AM Mass on 26th September 2021. The Parish Priest, Fr Austin Peres was the main celebrant. The SSVP members, the families receiving aid from SSVP along with the Parishioners took part in the Eucharistic Celebration.
     A formal programme was organised for the members of SSVP later at 11.30 AM in the Church Basement Hall. The Dignitaries comprising of Parish Priest Fr. Austin Peres, Socius Priest Fr. Gerald Pinto, Resource Person and Secretary of SSVP Central Council Mr. Gilbert Pinto , Parish Pastoral Committee Vice President Mrs. Sheela D'souza and Secretary of Parish Pastoral Committee Mr. Gaulbert Pais were present.
   The formal programme began with a prayer lead by Mr. Ullas D'Costa. Mr. Alwyn Quadros, President of SSVP warmly  welcomed the entire gathering comprising of Guests, Trustees, Benefactors, Well-wishers, Members along with Sponsored Families. The dignitaries on the dias were given floral welcome.
      Fr. Gerald addressed the members briefly about the objective of SSVP and acknowledged the service of Members towards poor families and wished them well. Mrs. Sheela D'souza and Mr. Gaulbert Pais too acknowledged and appreciated the selfless service of SSVP Members.
     Mr. Gilbert Pinto, the resource person gave detailed explanation on the principles and objectives of SSVP .  In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 35,36 and 40 says " What you have done to the least of my Brother that you do unto me". In the light of these verses he stressed that the members must  serve the poor. He continued to say, Prayer is also equally important and crucial along side with the  Service and added that the Sponsored Families must be prayerful.
    The Parish Priest in his message stressed that the 'One who gives is not greater and the one who receives is not lesser or smaller'. As Jesus said, I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty you gave me to drink, I was without clothes and you clothed me, I was In prison and you visited me. He called upon the members to practice the same and wished them well.
    Later, the students from the Sponsored Families of SSVP along with the other students who sought financial help were given financial assistance in the form of Cheques which were distributed by Fr. Austin Peres. 
Further, on behalf of Association, games were conducted for the Sponsored Families and prizes were distributed to the winners by the President of SSVP.  One of the members of the Association gifted a bedsheet to each of the Sponsored Families.
    Mrs. Clara Miranda rendered the vote of thanks and appreciated the members in particular for the smooth conduction of the entire programme and thanked everyone for their support and presence. The Programme was compered by Mr. Ullas D'Costa. 
  The Programme ended with a delicious lunch.