The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is an international, fraternal, charitable organization of Lay Persons, who, in a spirit of love, justice and charity, reach out to visit and assist people in need (irrespective of caste, creed or community) providing aid, development and hope to the poor, the lonely, the marginalized.
The Society was founded in 1833 in Paris, by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, a French Lawyer and University Professor only 20 years of age. Along with a few of his friends, he tried to emulate the Charity of St Vincent de Paul and named him Patron Saint of this Association.
The St Peter’s Conference, Bandra prides itself on being one of the first 5 Conferences that were established in India in 1863 and has continued rendering service to the poor and needy of this Parish for the last 160 years! The Conference comprises 25 active members and 8 auxiliary members. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady’s Room.
The President leads the group in the Opening Prayer. The Spiritual Adviser then provides food for thought and reflection, after which the Minutes of the previous Meeting are read, confirmed and signed, followed by the Treasurer reading the Weekly Statement of Accounts. The President then makes a few important announcements, and new Cases are discussed before adoption. Members are appointed in pairs to make weekly visits to our 32 Adopted Families and then report on their visits. The meeting ends with the Concluding Prayer and the Spiritual Adviser’s blessings. We make two collections outside the Church during Lent and Advent and we rely on generous Donations from Parishioners and Well-Wishers to fulfill our Charitable Works:
- Financial Aid – The adopted families are given their monthly allowance online for groceries etc.. Those who do not have bank accounts are paid by cash..
- Educational Aid – is given to Children of Adopted Families in School and College, providing them with Books, Uniforms and Footwear as needed. Annual Scholarships are given to good students, motivating them to perform better.
- Medical Assistance – is given in full if they go to Municipal hospitals and to some extent, should they need to go to Private hospitals. Assistance for purchase of Medicines is also given @ Rs.1500/- per month.
- Employment – is sought for the unemployed Family Members in accordance with their skills.
- Celebrations with the Adopted Families – are organized on the occasion of Christmas and the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul.
AN APPEAL
In March 2022, St. Peter’s Conference of the SSVP obtained the 80 G from the Charity Commissioner. Donations may be sent only by cheque in favour St. Peter’s Conference of SSVP with your Name, Address, PAN No. and Aadhar No. neatly written on the Envelope available in the Parish Office. . A Receipt will be issued.
Ms. Marisa Duarte
President
SSVP