St. Vincent Paul Sabha (S.V.P.)
‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me….now enter in to the home of my Father’ (Mt 25: 31-46) with these words of the Gospel St Vincent Paul Sabha was inaugurated in Pakshikere Parish in the year 1978 under the spiritual direction and guidance of Late Rev Fr Aloysius Alvares and Mr. S.J. Squeira. Since then as on records the St. Vincent Paul Sabha completes 31 years.
Office bearers for the year 2009 – 2010 are:
Rev Fr Alban D Souza - Director
Rev Fr Anil D Souza - Asst Director
Mrs Lucy D Souza - President
Mr Charles Cutinho - Vice President
Mrs Cynthia Saldanha - Second Vice President
Mrs Margaret Saldanha - Secretary
Mrs Hilda Machado - Treasurer
Other members:
Fredrick Cutinho,
Cyril Fernandes,
Louis D’Souza,
Zita Cutinho,
Hilda Menezes,
Lilly Quadros,
Flavia D’ Souza,
Wilma Almeida.
The main aim of the SVP is to reach out to the poor families of our parish in cash and in kind. At present we have adopted five families. We provide them with material support like rice and other grains on special occasion like Monti Fest, Parish feast and Christ mass. Monetary help is also given every week for their survival. We meet the school expenses of the school or college going children from these families. In case of death in these families and if they are not able to meet the funeral expenses, we help them to do the funeral services.
We raise our fund at the church entrance from our parishioners. We seek donations from many well wishers and donors.
Almost 50 couples have been united in the sacrament of matrimony in the Community Wedding taking place at our church every year.
The feast of the founder Fredrick Ozanam is celebrated every year on the 9th of September. The feast of St Vincent Paul is celebrated on the 27th of September. We invite all our adopted families on this occasion and give them some gifts. 8th of December is celebrated as the feast of Immaculate Conception. Mass is also offered that day for all donors and well wishers, and for former members who passed away.
St. Vincent Paul Sabha members meet every Sunday after mass for the meeting. The agenda is discussed and responsibilities are shared among the members.
We thank all the directors of St. Vincent Paul Sabha. We also remember those directors who have passed away. We remember them with a grateful heart. May God reward them with eternal peace. We would like to thank our present Director Rev Fr Alban D Souza & Rev Fr Anil D’Souza for their continuous support. They work as our mentors&guides.