Vincent - De - Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded by Fredrick Ozanam in 1833, and named after its Patron, St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century “apostle of Charity.”
The S.V.P Conference of St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral was inaugurated in November 1891 and has been in existence for 124 years. It has 15 active members and 4 auxiliary members. Meetings are held every Sunday morning commencing with a prayer followed by service to the poor and those in need. The S.V.P. Conferences adopt poor families in the parish after investigating their status, give them weekly food grain rations and help promote their spiritual welfare. Members help the sick, visit hospitals and help secure employment.
Report October 2007 to September 2008
24 Adopted families – weekly food grain cost Rs. 80,100
18 Medically assisted families – monthly aid Rs. 64,000
45 School children – 50% fees paid Rs. 34,600
42 Christmas hampers – food items (sponsors gave Rs. 400/- each) Rs. 16,800
Jerome Home-Ozanam Centre – approx... Annual expenditure Rs. 180,000
Our outstanding achievement has been the management of Jerome Home-Ozanam Centre for destitute elderly women. It has been running since 1937, and for scores of elderly destitute women, it has been an ocean of tranquility amidst the storms of aging life. There are ten destitute women, one of them 97 years old and two dedicated Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate, who live with them, cook, clean and look after their welfare. After 71 years, its dilapidated condition made the building insecure, and the urgent need for larger accommodation, made the Society embark on re-development. We placed our trust in our Patron and the generosity of our parishioners who have supported us over the years. The inmates had been shifted to a rented place in Kammannahalli, the old Home was demolished and a new building is put up for the care of destitute women.
We wish to express our appreciation to our Spiritual Director and our parish priest, for their encouragement, guidance and motivation and also for the help extended toward the second Sunday outdoor collection by members to finance our projects.
Vincent de Paul Report 2014
