11/09/2026
The St Vincent de Paul Society.
This Sunday is also a special day for our Parish because we are relaunching and renewing the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) in our Parish.
The Society has a beautiful history. It was founded in Paris on 23 April 1833 by a group of young University students, including Blessed Frederic Ozanam. They wanted to put their faith into action by reaching out personally to people who were poor and in need. They took St Vincent de Paul, the great Saint of Charity, as their Patron.
What began with a small group of young people in Paris has now grown into a worldwide movement. Today, the SVP is present in more than 150 countries, with hundreds of thousands of members and volunteers serving people in need.
The SVP reminds us that our faith is not only about coming to Mass and praying; it is also about seeing Christ in those who are in need and reaching out to them with love and practical help.
Sometimes people need financial help, but often they need something just as important—a friendly visit, someone to listen to them, a phone call, encouragement, or simply knowing that someone cares.
This fits beautifully with today’s Gospel. Jesus teaches us about mercy, forgiveness and compassion. The SVP gives us an opportunity to put these Gospel values into practice in our daily lives.
I would like to offer my warm congratulations and sincere thanks to all our SVP members: Sarita de Kretser (President), Lawrence Mondal (Secretary), David Walsh (Treasurer), Natasha Solomon, Pat Dalzell, Midhun Paul and Sheelda Jose. Thank you for giving your time, your energy and, above all, your hearts in the service of others.
And I would like to extend a special invitation to everyone in our Parish: please consider joining the SVP. You do not have to be an expert or have lots of free time. What matters most is a willing heart and a desire to help others. There are many different ways to serve—visiting someone who is lonely, offering practical support, making a phone call, helping with Parish activities, or simply being there for someone who needs a friend.
If you feel that God may be calling you to this Ministry, please speak to one of our SVP members after Mass. We would be very happy to welcome you.
Let us pray that our renewed SVP will become a living sign of Christ’s love and mercy in our Parish and local community.
Congratulations to all our SVP members, and may God bless you and your work abundantly. May the Lord inspire many more people in our Parish to join you in this beautiful ministry of love and service.
Babu
