SSVP Celebrates a Century of Humanitarian Service in Mangaluru Catholic Diocese
The St Vincent De Paul Society, widely recognized as SSVP, is commemorating an impressive milestone of 100 years of dedicated service within the Mangalore Catholic Diocese. The centenary celebrations will culminate with a grand Valedictory Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, as announced by Joe Coelho, the president of the Central Council, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Dignitaries to Grace the Centenary Valedictory Ceremony
The prestigious event will be presided over by the Most Reverend Peter Paul Saldanha, the esteemed Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore. Adding international significance to the occasion, Juan Manuel Buergo Gomez, the International President of SSVP, will attend as the chief guest. The ceremony will also be honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Most Reverend Aloysius Paul D'Souza, SSVP National Council President Jude Mangalraj, and International Ombudsman Joseph Pandian.
A Legacy of Compassion and Community Support
Reflecting on the society's century-long journey, Coelho emphasized that SSVP has consistently extended its helping hand to individuals from all communities, transcending religious and social boundaries. Over the past 100 years, the organization has provided essential support in the form of food, education, and healthcare, while also addressing the emotional and psychological needs of beneficiaries. SSVP, which holds the distinction of being the world's largest Catholic lay service organization, was first established in Mangaluru at Bendur Church on January 10, 1926. Its presence quickly expanded with the formation of a unit at Milagres Church later that same month, followed by additional units at Rosario Cathedral and Bejai Church in May 1926.
Core Mission and Current Outreach in Mangaluru
The fundamental mission of SSVP revolves around visiting the poor and needy to provide assistance while strictly maintaining confidentiality and preserving the dignity of those they serve. Under the umbrella of the Mangalore Central Council, SSVP currently operates 111 active units, each of which adopts at least five families in need. In total, the organization is supporting 623 adopted families, comprising 1,765 individual members. The membership base across these 111 units, along with two dedicated youth units, stands at 1,618 committed individuals.
Healthcare and Educational Initiatives Launched for Centenary
As part of its centenary celebrations, SSVP has introduced two significant projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for underprivileged communities. The 'Shikop' project focuses on providing higher-education support to approximately 405 students from adopted families, ensuring they have access to academic opportunities. Simultaneously, the 'Aasro' project offers crucial financial assistance to 100 families for house construction or essential repairs, addressing basic shelter needs.
In the healthcare domain, SSVP has implemented a free medical treatment and dialysis support initiative in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College Hospital in Mangaluru and Thumbay. Furthermore, during the valedictory ceremony, the SSVP–Trinity Kidney Care Project will be inaugurated. This project, supported by Joseph E Menezes's Trinity Medicare Services Trust based in Udupi, is designed to assist kidney patients by providing medicines and facilitating dialysis treatments.
Global and National Presence of SSVP
The St Vincent De Paul Society has a rich global heritage, having been founded in 1833 in Paris by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and six companions. Today, it boasts a presence in 158 countries worldwide, with over 800,000 members and more than one million dedicated volunteers. In India, the society was first established in Bombay in 1863 and has since grown exponentially. Currently, it operates 7,225 units across the country, with a robust membership of 65,546 individuals, continuing its legacy of service and compassion.
