The membership of the Society of St Vincent de Paul has been urged to preserve its spiritual base as it faces the challenges in its ministry of charity.

Two key speakers at the Society's Annual General Meeting last Sunday made the call: president Anthony Wong Doo and Archbishop Edward Gilbert.

Wong Doo, in the president's address, said spirituality is “the main reason for the sustainability of members of the Society” and called on members to use “the social justice message of the gospels” to transform the wider society

In his address, Archbishop Gilbert thanked the Society for “who you are and for what you do.” He explained “who you are” - your spiritual vocation to the poor - was more important as without this, “what you do” would be just a job.

The AGM, held for the first time at the spacious, air-conditioned Andre Kamperveen Hall, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, attracted more than 300 members from the various “particular councils” (regions).

The AGM began with Opening Prayer, a Spiritual Reading and a short period for discussion. Rudolph Boneo, North East vice president on the National Executive Committee, gave the welcome.

Clive Belgrave , honorary national secretary, highlighted key items in the National Council Report (see below) while longstanding chair for Finance, Ken Augier, presented the Financial Report. Both presenters answered questions from the floor.

After a short break, president Wong Doo gave his address. He said the Society was a ministry of visitation and advocacy for the poor, and its goal was “to bring peace and justice to society.” A key part of his address, however, was his call for members to give more.

“I would like to implore you brothers and sisters for a greater level of voluntary contribution…I am appealing to you, who have the time and space, to raise the bar. This is not merely for economic realities but for the preservation of the ethos of the Society at all levels. The unique characteristic of the Society of St Vincent de Paul must be preserved at all cost.” Wong Doo also expressed the National Executive's commitment to assist youth members.

Archbishop Gilbert followed Wong Doo, telling members they held a “privileged place” because of their work “on the ground” with the poor and underprivileged. He said the Society offered not only help “but hope”.

“You communicate that somebody cares – physically, tangibly, effectively,” Archbishop Gilbert said, adding “people trust you…for not what you've said, but done over the years.”

He urged members to keep their spirituality alive by concentrating on the Eucharist as they continued in this “dangerous ministry”.

Jonelle Cox of the Chaguanas Junior Conference browses the Society of St Vincent de Paul's new website with President Anthony Wong Doo. The website, www.svdptt.org, was launched at the end of last Sunday's Annual General Meeting at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Raymond Syms photo.

Archbishop Gilbert explained it was dangerous because by reaching out to others, one could question why there is a growing need for “charity”, while “wealth grows” in this country.

Inevitably, by continuing to ask such questions, one will make enemies.

“You can't allow your piety to divorce itself from asking questions. You must anticipate people getting upset,” the Archbishop added. He noted that anti-Catholic sentiment was present in society, and those against the values of the Church were attempting to drain its funding base.

The Archbishop also called on the Society to become “visibly professional” to attract funding, and to increase collaboration with the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ).

He said the CCSJ could offer documentation and theological assistance to the Society in its ministry while the Society, in turn, could assist the CCSJ through its already well-established roots in the parishes and the wider society.

CCSJ chair Leela Ramdeen was present for the AGM.

Archbishop Gilbert and Penal parish priest Fr Rudy Mohammed, SVP spiritual adviser, concelebrated the closing Mass. Preaching the homily, Fr Mohammed urged members to maintain their focus, and continue meeting “the poor where they are”.

AGM HIGHLIGHTS

• The Secretariat's accounts are in the process of being computerized.

• The National Executive Committee has undertaken a detailed review of the Society and will report to membership on its completion.

• The Society has seen a $20,000 increase of its monthly wage bill because of the minimum wage, and therefore has to make greater efforts in revenue generation and fundraising efforts.

• The El Dorado Road, Tunapuna-based Cyril Ross Nursery is to be relocated from to Caura. Hibiscus Foundation, bpTT and Home Construction Limited are involved in the project. Financial support is also being sought from the National AIDS Co-ordinating Committee for the nursery.

• Government is to relocate residents of the Centre for Socially Displaced Persons ( Riverside Plaza ) by year end. The Society is unsure of its future role.

• The Home for the Aged, Penal is to be demolished. The lone resident is to be relocated.

• Construction of a new Home for the Aged, San Fernando is underway. Republic Bank has pledged two million dollars. Fundraising efforts continue as the expected cost is six million.

• St Colm's Hall, Belmont is being redesigned to serve as a prototype Senior Citizen Centre. This project is being done with the Government.

• The Society is in discussion with the Ministry of Health concerning accommodating persons who currently resident in the nation's hospitals.

• SVP Trinidad & Tobago and SVP Grenada have agreed to concentrate on repair and reconstruction of homes post Hurricane Ivan. Financial assistance from SVP Trinidad & Tobago is currently $112, 849.95.

• The Society's website has been launched; the address is www.svdptt.org