The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has praised Archbishop Edward J Gilbert for his “stewardship of the Archdiocese and his shepherding of the SVP flock.”

Archbishop Gilbert receives a token from Rudolph Boneo.

Paying tribute on behalf of the Society was national president, Rudolph Boneo, during the Society’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, September 25 at the Lions Cultural Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Port of Spain. Close to 500 of the Society’s membership were present.
Boneo thanked Archbishop Gilbert, who retires in December, for his outstanding support to the Society over the years. He presented him with a token of appreciation on behalf of the national executive and SVP members.
Boneo also congratulated Co-adjutor Archbishop Joseph Harris, who was ordained on September 14 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Harris served as SVP national spiritual director from October 1994 to September 2000.

State of the Society

Clive Belgrave responds to questions from the floor after presenting his report.

Honorary secretary Clive Belgrave, during his presentation of the National Council Report, said that the financial environment in which the Society now operated had become increasingly challenging during the past year. He attributed this to the downturn in the national economy. He said another contributing factor was that at the beginning of year there was an increase in the minimum wage. Belgrave indicated that as a mitigating approach the National Executive sought and continues to seek financial support from non-traditional sources.
In his report, Belgrave also mentioned that at parish level, home visitations and even meetings at both Conference and Particular Council levels had become quite risky, particularly in crime-ridden areas. He called on members to remember that “no work of charity is foreign to the Society” as he asked each member to recite the rededication pledge of the Society.

Love conquers all

President Boneo told members that although we often feel that the cause of the poor may seem somewhat helpless, our faith must sustain us.
“Brothers and Sisters we need faith in ourselves to do the work because there will be many occasions when we may feel that the cause of the poor is helpless. But faith and only faith will sustain us at these low points, because the quality of faith is not logic, but trust in our Saviour and the consequent confidence in ourselves. Faith will enable us to conquer our fears so that we will continue to keep our weekly meetings inspite of what danger may exist. That same faith will fortify us to visit the poor in their homes so that they will know that someone cares. And by this very example of your witness of Christ allow them to the face of Christ.”

SVP members during The Our Father.

Boneo called on members to remember that “our vocation to this work is a call to Christ and a call to Christ is a call to grow in love, knowing that love conquers all.” (Full speech available on the SVP website, www.svdptt.org)

On the same note of love, SVP spiritual advisor Fr David Khan, during his delivery of the homily based on the Gospel (Mt 20:1-16) stressed that, as Catholic Christians we are called upon to serve and “go beyond our call”. He said that love must be our catalyst. Fr Khan explained that love, at times, may be a hurtful thing but, we must remember that when we decide to love, we decide to accept the good and the bad. Therefore we must aim to love as Christ loved and always say yes when we are called upon in our walk as Vincentians.

The archbishop was chief celebrant at the closing Mass, which he concelebrated with Fr Khan.

In brief comments, the archbishop endorsed the Society’s ministry and expressed sincere wishes of success for the future. He urged members to reflect on their vocation and encouraged the Society to recognise and appreciate the significant impact which it continues to make on the poor. The AGM ended with lunch and fellowship.

Upcoming SVP Activities:

Sun, Oct 16: 2:00 pm – Cascadia Hotel Tea & Fashion. Cost $125.00

Sun, Nov 20: Feast of Christ the King – Mount St Benedict, Annual Day of Prayer, Study & Reflection

Annual Raffle –Tickets available from the Secretariat – 625 – 3562

Fri, Dec 16: SVP Open House & Drawing of Annual raffle – Natalie Walters, Chairperson, SVP Public Relations Committee.