The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) celebrated its 150th anniversary in Trinidad & Tobago last weekend with a challenge to continue its mandate with Christ at its core, and in a non-judgmental way.

The historic occasion was celebrated last Sunday with an anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, attended by the Society’s membership and National Executive, led by national president Anthony Wong Doo and honorary national secretary Clive Belgrave.

A regional meeting held Friday, June 15, meant delegates and presidents from Caribbean territories like Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St Lucia and Belize were able to join the celebration. Many in attendance wore commemorative 150th anniversary white polo shirts with a special logo.

Among the specially invited guests were SVP supporter, Zalayhar Hassanali, wife of deceased former President Noor Hassanali; Bro Noble Khan of the Inter Religious Organisation; former Senate President Eammon Carter and Mrs Carter, and Dr Jennifer Rouse, Director, Division of Aging, Ministry of Social Development.

Concelebrating the Mass with chief celebrant Archbishop Edward Gilbert were Msgr Urban Peschier and Cathedral administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander, Frs Clyde Harvey, Gerard Tang Choon and Gervais Girod.

In his usual welcome at the beginning of the liturgy, the Archbishop told the Society that this was a special moment in its history, and had members laughing as he joked that “considering your age, you look well”.

The Mass readings were done by administrative secretary Yvette Woodruffe and member Giselle Holder.

The Archbishop began his homily with a statement from the Society’s founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, which said if you are going to serve God you have to choose Jesus Christ on a deep level. The archbishop said that Ozanam’s spiritual insight was accurate as “a superficial commitment cannot sustain you in the work you do”.

He said the Society has done “a marvellous service to nation and archdiocese” but that commitment must remain spiritually focussed. “If you do not sustain it, when you get tired from service, you begin to lose it…. The challenge of serving can only be sustained by surrendering to the Lord.”

He told “Vincentians” that “as you serve the people, as you witness to the people, and lead people from dependence to self-sufficiency,” your work must be seen not as a job but a vocation.

Preaching on the gospel (Lk 7:36-8:3) the Archbishop said Simon the Pharisee judged the woman and Christ. He said likewise, it was easy for Vincentians to judge the people they serve – many of them caught in the cycle of poverty - but warned against doing so.

“Serve them, treat them with dignity, help them to overcome their mistakes. Don’t judge them. If you find yourself judging them, back off and renew yourself. If in a positive judgement you realise they can’t be healed or made self-sufficient, then it makes no difference.”

Archbishop Gilbert ended saying he admired the Society and its members, as many often dig into their own pockets to support the organisation’s work. He said this is what many people see as well, and this is what encourages many to do the same. “I thank you in the name of the archdiocese for your service.”

Towards the end of the service the congregation was addressed by president Wong Doo and Eduardo Gomez, International Territorial Vice President (North America and the Caribbean).

Wong Doo thanked all for their work and, not to be forgotten, those who have been on the journey and “blazed a trail.” He said the celebration was not for the Society alone “but for you, the members, an integral part of the Society”.

Archbishop Gilbert greets Eduardo Gomez

Gomez brought remarks on behalf of the Society’s President General, José Ramón Díaz-Torremocha. He thanked the Archbishop for his support of the local Society, adding that this was his first visit to the English-speaking Caribbean and was grateful for being present.

He read a few lines from a booklet titled “Turn everything to love – a rule of life for anyone of the Vincentian family” to motivate members to continue their work.

Seven stalwart members received commemorative awards: Winston Gould, John Nathaniel, sister and brother Crescent and Theo Parisienne of Tobago, Andrew Bernard, Vernon Mitchell and former president Hugh Clerk. Marlene Solomon received a posthumous award on behalf of her brother, former executive secretary Steve Solomon, who passed away in 2001.

While members walked a short distance over to the Catholic Centre car park for refreshments, hampers carried up to the altar for the presentation of gifts were presented to a few of the Society’s clients. - RS