The society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organisation in the Catholic Church for the sanctification of its members by personal service to the poor.
The members of St. Vincent de Paul of Aquem offer service to the poor irrespective of caste and creed. It undertakes welfare projects for the betterment of the poor.
On a regular basis members visit St. Vincent de Paul special school at Curtorim, interact with the children and distribute eatables. We also visit Jyoti Bhavan at Bali, mingle with the ladies and spend some time with them. We also entertain the inmates of St. Joseph’s Home at Quepem, sometimes sing with them and distribute other necessities. We also go to the Clergy Home, Margao and meet the old priests, residing there. Twice a year, we visit the adopted families at Ambaulim and take a lot of provisions for them alongwith cash of Rs.1,000/-. They are always happy to see us.
Annual mass for the sick and old was held on 26t Dec 2018. 35 elderly and sick brethren attended the mass. After mass they were annointed with healing oil. Fr. Andrew our Parish Priest welcomed them with a gift. They were entertained with songs and games. The day’s programme culminated with lunch.
Blessed Frederick Ozanam Recovery Centre was inaugurated on 25th Oct 2018, at Varca. This project was initiated by the society of St. Vincent de Paul. It can accommodate 15 inmates who are alcoholics. Dr. Doreen, psychologist attends to the inmates once a week. Fr. Roger, a counsellor also attends to them. Right now there are only 7 inmates.
We have 6 aided families whom we pay Rs.1,000/- each, per month. Besides that we spend approximately Rs.5,000/- per month for medicines including payments for dialysis. We also gave Rs.5,000/- to a poor boy for his expenses, as he was selected for a training camp.
In order to raise funds for all these expenses the conference put up hamper at Christmas time & the draw was held after the midnight mass. The amount collected was Rs.2,00,000/- It has been utilized as under:
6 families of Aquem Rs. 30,000/-
5 families of Ambaulim Rs. 30,000/-
Rachol Seminary Rs. 50,000/-
Chandor Old-age Home Rs. 10,000/-
Construction of a house for a needy person Rs. 20,000/-
Total Rs. 1,40,000/-
Balance amount has been retained in the fund for disbursement of monthly aid and medical expenses.
The 18 members of the conference are trying their utmost to alleviate the needs and sufferings of the down trodden and the marginalized. A ‘Big thank You’ to all our parishioners and well-wishers who support us wholeheartedly.
Irene Antao