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Golden Jubilee Celebration of St Vincent De Paul Society 1975 - 2025, Katpadi Church Unit

The Golden Jubilee celebration of the St Vincent De Paul Society (SVP), Katpadi Church Unit, was celebrated on Sunday 14th December 2025, with deep gratitude, reverence and joy, marking 50 years of selfless service to the poor and the needy, inspired by the ideals of charity and compassion.

The solemn programme commenced with a graceful and prayerful dance performance by a talented team of young girls, invoking the Almighty Lord’s blessings upon the Jubilee celebrations and all gathered.
Mr Theodore Pereira, dynamic President, warmly welcomed the gathering and offered a brief introduction of the distinguished guests and priests present, setting a cordial and meaningful tone for the celebration.

The Secretary Mrs Hilda Barnes of the Society presented a crisp and comprehensive report, highlighting the remarkable 50-year journey of the SVP unit, Katpadi, its milestones, charitable initiatives and unwavering commitment to serving the less fortunate.

In a touching moment, the founder members were fondly remembered, and long-serving members were deservedly honoured on the dais with traditional shawls, bouquets and mementoes as a mark of gratitude. All 25 active members were also recognised and appreciated for their dedicated and selfless service to the Society and the parish.

The Chief Guest, retired Professor Mr Archibald Furtado, delivered an insightful and inspiring address, appreciating the honest, silent and consistent service rendered by the St Vincent De Paul Society. He highlighted how the Society stands unique, transparent and trustworthy, making it one of the most respected lay organisations in the Church.

The Parish Priest, Rev Fr Rajesh Passanha, while conveying his heartfelt Jubilee greetings, acknowledged and thanked the SVP team for their excellent cooperation and wholehearted support in parish activities and in serving society at large, since five decades silently but effectively.

Rev Fr Preetham Menezes, Director, Holy Cross  Seminary, congratulated the Jubilee team and commended the members for their committed efforts to uplift the poor, needy and marginalised, reflecting the true spirit of Christian charity.

In his presidential address, Rev Dr Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi and Spiritual Director, congratulated all SVP brothers and sisters, describing them as true friends of the poor and the less fortunate, and reminded the gathering that God lives and works through such compassionate hearts.

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of Katpadi Church Parish Pastoral Council office bearers, along with St Vincent De Paul Society members from eight sister churches of the Udupi Deanery. Their Presidents and Secretaries were also honoured and encouraged for their yeomen service in the Udupi Varado.

In his concluding words, Vice President Mr Stany Pereira proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks, recalling with gratitude the contributions of all members from the Society’s inception to its proud 50-year milestone.

The entire programme was seamlessly and engagingly presented by veteran Mr Stany Pereira, and was thoroughly enjoyed by a large gathering of parishioners, well-wishers and invited guests from far and near.
Earlier in the day Feast of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated as Udupi Varado office bearers of Nine Parishes at 9.00 am.
Again a grand Thanksgiving Holy Mass offered at 12.20 pm by SVP fraternity with  Dean of the Udupi Very Rev Dr Charles Menezes as main celebrant concelebrated by Vicar of Katpadi Church Rev Fr Rajesh Passanha, who broke the word of God with his well worded sermon and Rev Fr Preetham Menezes Holy Cross Seminary,  Director.

As Mr Herald Buthello President of SVP Udupi Varado opined, the celebration fittingly reflected the spirit of the Society, founded on the teachings of St Vincent De Paul, the apostle of charity, and ignited by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, whose vision continues to inspire generations to serve Christ through the poor with humility, love and dedication.

The Golden Jubilee celebration thus concluded on a note of thanksgiving, inspiration and renewed commitment to continue with the noble mission of charity and service in the years to come.  All the parishioners happily joined Breakfast after 7.30 am Holy Mass, celebrating the Feast of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary and thereafter SVP family of the Deanery had a fellowship Lunch in the Community Hall, at 1.25 pm which was cherished and enjoyed by all the guests and parishioners.

Reported by Monica Pereira 
Photographs: Prabhakar, Katpadi.