-Harshitha DSouza, Pics : Johnson DAlmeida, Halekodi
On September 29, 2024, the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) at Barkur Parish came together to commemorate the feast of their patron saint in a day filled with spiritual reflection and community engagement.
The celebration began with a solemn Mass, where the liturgy was conducted collaboratively by all the SVP members, showcasing their active participation in the parish's spiritual life. The congregation's unified voices and reverent participation highlighted the deep-rooted faith and commitment of the SVP members to their patron saint's teachings.
Following the Mass, the festivities continued in the parish's mini hall, where a special assembly was convened. The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including, Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, the parish priest, Mr. Joseph Fernandes, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Herald D'Souza, Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions, and Sr. Jasmita Crasta, Superior of the local convent.
The program commenced with a prayer service led by Mr. Jerome Fernandes, setting a tone of reverence and gratitude for the gathering. Mrs. Leena Fernandes, serving as the chairperson, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all attendees, embodying the Vincentian spirit of hospitality.
In their addresses, Mr. Joseph Fernandes and Mr. Herald D'Souza spoke eloquently about the invaluable services rendered by the SVP members to the parish. They highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the society, praising their tireless efforts in serving the less fortunate and contributing to the overall welfare of the community. Their words of appreciation underscored the significant impact of the SVP's work in putting faith into action.
Fr. Ronald Miranda, in his message, emphasized the importance of expanding the SVP membership. He passionately appealed to all ward leaders present to actively encourage more parishioners to join the society. The priest's call to action reflected the parish's vision of a more engaged and service-oriented community, aligned with St. Vincent de Paul's mission of charity and compassion.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual report and financial statement by Mr. Maxim Sequeira. This comprehensive overview, initially shared during the Mass, provided transparency into the society's activities and fiscal management over the past year. It served as a testament to the SVP's commitment to accountability and effective stewardship of resources in their charitable endeavors.
As the program drew to a close, Mrs. Leena Fernandes took the podium once more to express heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration. Her words of thanks encompassed not only the day's events but also the year-round dedication of the SVP members in living out their commitment to serving others.
This feast day celebration not only honored St. Vincent de Paul but also reinforced the bonds within the SVP community at Barkur Parish. It served as a reminder of their shared mission and reignited their passion for continuing their vital work in the community, inspired by the enduring legacy of their patron saint.
