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Shivamogga, January 7, 2025: The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) convened a meeting on January 5th at 4:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Campus.

Father Franklin D'Souza, our Spiritual Director, led the opening prayer. Following this, Mr. William Martis, the elected President of the Shimoga Central Council, gave a welcoming address. We celebrated the new year by cutting a cake and sharing in the joy.

The purpose of the meeting was to finalize the preparations for the inauguration ceremony of the Shimoga Central Council. The Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, will officially inaugurate the council on February 16th at 4:00 PM with a Holy Eucharist at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga. Previously, SVP units were under the jurisdiction of the Udupi Central Council.

Fr. Franklin D'Souza commended the SVP's service to the Diocese of Shimoga, noting that the Central Council's establishment during the Jubilee year is a significant blessing, enabling the Diocese to demonstrate its faith through service to the impoverished and vulnerable. He further encouraged members to support parishes lacking SVP units and to revitalize any inactive units within the Diocese.

Mr. M. Vincent D' Mello, President of the Shivamogga area council, along with the office bearers, Mr. Alwyn, President of the Bhadravati area council, his office bearers, and members of the Syro Malabar Diocese of Bhadravati, were in attendance.

The Central Council's inauguration was meticulously planned to ensure its success. Meeting concluded at 6pm.