Mangaluru:The StVincent de Paul Society (SSVP), one of the world’s largest Catholic lay service organisations, will mark the culmination of its centenary celebrations in the Mangaluru Catholic Diocese with a grand Centenary Valedictory Ceremony on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Father Muller Convention Centre.

Celebrating 100 years of continuous service to the poor and marginalised, the event stands as a moment of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to the Society’s core mission of compassionate outreach carried out with dignity and confidentiality.

Distinguished leadership to grace the occasion

The valedictory programme will be presided over by Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru. Adding international significance to the celebrations, Juan Manuel Buergo Gomez, International President of SSVP, will attend the ceremony as the Chief Guest, arriving from Spain.

Several eminent personalities will participate as Guests of Honour, including Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru Diocese; Jude Mangalraj, President of the SSVP National Council; and Joseph Pandian, International Ombudsman of SSVP.

The event will also be graced by Ivan D’Souza, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions; and renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Elias Menezes. Other dignitaries on the dais will include Santiago Manickam, Asha Vaz, and youth representative Alister Nazareth.

A century-long journey of service in Mangaluru

The St Vincent de Paul Society was established in Mangaluru at Bendur Church on January 10, 1926, marking the beginning of organised Catholic lay service in the Diocese. In the same month, the Milagres unit was formed, followed by new units at Rosario Cathedral and Bejai Church in May 1926. From these humble beginnings, SSVP has grown into a strong, well-structured network of service.

Today, under the Mangaluru Central Council, the Society comprises 111 units and two youth units, with a total membership of 1,618 members. Each unit adopts at least five families in its neighbourhood, treating them not as beneficiaries but as members of an extended family. At present, 623 adopted families, comprising 1,765 individuals, are being supported through various welfare initiatives.

The Society’s guiding principle remains unchanged over the decades — to personally visit the poor and the needy, extend timely assistance, and uphold the values of confidentiality, respect, and human dignity.

Healthcare and social outreach initiatives

In collaboration with Father Muller Medical College Hospital and Thumbay, the Society has been implementing a major healthcare initiative that provides free medical treatment and dialysis care to members of adopted families. This programme has brought significant relief to families facing critical health challenges.

To commemorate the centenary year, SSVP has launched two major flagship projects aimed at long-term empowerment:

‘Shikop’ – Educational support initiative

The Shikop project provides higher education support to approximately 405 students from SSVP-adopted families, enabling deserving students to pursue academic and professional aspirations without financial barriers.

‘Aasro’ – Housing assistance programme

The Aasro initiative extends financial assistance to 100 families for the construction or repair of houses, ensuring safe and dignified living conditions for vulnerable households.

New kidney care project to be inaugurated

A significant highlight of the valedictory ceremony will be the inauguration of the SSVP–Trinity Kidney Care Project, supported by Joseph E. Menezes’s Trinity Medicare Services Trust, Udupi. This initiative aims to assist kidney patients by providing support for medicines and dialysis, further strengthening SSVP’s healthcare outreach.

Global legacy of the Society

Founded in 1833 in Paris by Frederic Ozanam and six companions, the St Vincent de Paul Society today serves across 158 countries, with over 8 lakh members and more than 10 lakh volunteers worldwide. In India, the Society was established in Mumbai in 1863 and currently has 7,225 units with 65,546 members, making it one of the most extensive voluntary service networks in the country. More on the Society’s global background can be read on St Vincent de Paul Society.

A quiet service with lasting impact

Speaking at the press meet held on January 22, 2026, at the Press Club, Mangaluru, office-bearers including Joe Coelho, President of the Central Council; Ligoury Fernandes, Secretary; Clarence Machado, Treasurer; Philomena Menezes, Convener of the Centenary Celebration Committee; and Loyd Rego, Convener of the Media Committee, highlighted that SSVP’s service is carried out quietly, without publicity, yet with deep and lasting impact.

As the centenary celebrations draw to a close, the valedictory ceremony stands not only as a celebration of the past hundred years but also as a reaffirmation of SSVP’s enduring mission — to be a compassionate presence among the poor, guided by faith, humility, and service.