Centenary Finale of St. Vincent de Paul Society Celebrated in Mangalore Diocese

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Mangaluru : The centenary closing ceremony of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), Mangalore Diocese, was held with great significance at the Father Muller Convention Centre on January 25. Juan Manuel B. Gomez, the International President of the society, who traveled from Spain to attend as the chief guest, emphasized the philosophy of founder Frederic Ozanam. He noted that true charity involves treating those in distress as equals to bring about social change, a mission the SSVP members in Mangalore have selflessly pursued for the past century.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of a joint initiative between the SSVP Central Council and the Trinity Medicare Trust, founded by Joseph Elias Menezes Sastana. This program aims to support underprivileged kidney patients in Dakshina Kannada by covering 50% of their dialysis and other treatment expenses. Presiding over the function, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, remarked that divine blessings always follow service to the poor and noted the high public esteem for the society’s humanitarian work.

The ceremony also featured the release of a centenary souvenir by SSVP National President Jude Mangalraj. Karnataka Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza lauded the Christian community’s outsized contribution to national service, highlighting that despite being only 2.5% of the population, their impact through organizations like SSVP is monumental. The event was attended by various international and national dignitaries, including Joseph Pandian and Father Faustine Lobo, concluding a historic milestone for the diocese.