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Udupi : The feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary and Diocese Convention of Society of St Vincent de Paul held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi Diocese on Sunday, 9^th December, 2018.

The programme began with traditionally invocation prayers for St Vincent de Paul was conducted by Rev 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 with lighting the traditional lamp.

In his spiritual address Fr Fredrick D’souza said that there is no end of the society of St Vincent de Paul which spread over more than 165 countries in the world. The youths began the society in the Europe to serve the people who is in needy. The Society started at 1926 in Bendur, Mangalore. Presently, all churches in the Udupi diocese, the society serving the people with the goal to overcome solution of needy people with the intention to serve the God. The society serves forever and it has no expire date. It would be making love and giving love goes together.

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

Addressing to the members, Alban Rodrigues said the reason for selecting to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary by the Vincentians all over the world. He pointed out how we feel membership of the SSVP. In order to have spiritual growth, SSVP will help by serving the poor of the poorest and needy. Through love and services of the SSVP members, one can see the God. Secondly, he also pointed out that what is the nature of every SSVP conferences. SSVP does not need publicity to serve the needy which other associations like Rotary, Lions’ do. The society members are serving the poor with witnessing Jesus our God. Thirdly, Alban Rodirgues pointed out how the society’s spirit to serve the needy. The society members spirit should like charity begins at home that the spirit with the intention to serve the God through needy people of the world. The society members should know what have to do and not to do the services for the  needy one. Fourthly, he pointed out regarding the opinion of the public about society services in conferences. There are other associations who will support the needy. But, the services of the SSVP conferences rather lot of differences than other charity associations, he said.

Rev Fr. Fredrick D’Souza took auth from the newly installed members of all conferences of the diocese. In his presiding address, Bro. Grecian Buthello, Diocesan President of SSVP gave gratitude to all concerned for the support and guidance since the new diocese of Udupi installed. He pointed out some of the points in relate to the conferences accounts and audit procedures. Most of the members not know about the rules and regulations of the society, hence need to read out in our conferences weekly meetings. He said all the conferences should offer four masses in a year which some of the conferences not knowledge about the offering masses.

Bro Gracian Buthello gave time to the members to interact with him and he gave the answer.

Bro. Peter Martis Vice president, Bro Felix Pinto Vice president, Bro Fredrick Sequiera General Secretary, Bro Boniface D’Souza Hon. Treasurer and Bro. Walter Monteiro official were present on the dais.

Bro Peter Martis welcomed the gatherings. Bro Fredrick Sequiera proposed 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 proceeded with procession towards the Milagres Cathedral. at 12 noon.  Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi diocese concelebrated Eucharistic mass along with Rev Fr. Fredrick D’Souza, Rev Fr. Chetan Lobo Capuchin, PRO and Editor of Uzwad and Rev Fr. Canute Noronha Assistant parish priest of Milagres Cathedral.

In his homily, Fr. Chetan Lobo described the characteristics of Vincentians and how they can proceed on the road to reach God. The Vincentians are eager to see the Savior of World through various services.

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

In his message, Bishop gave all credit to the diocesan president for his outstanding and marvelous services through SSVP. Bishop appreciated the SSVP members for the mission to overcome the solutions of the needy in the diocese.

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