Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza
 
Shivamogga, February 17, 2025: The St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Diocese of Shimoga has been promoted to central council status on February 16th.

On February 16th 4pm, Most Reverend Dr. Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, offered Mass at 4 p.m. Monsignor Very Reverend Father Stany D'Souza, Vicar General and Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral; Reverend Father Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Spiritual Director of SVP; Father Robert D'Mello of Soraba; Father George Lobo from the Diocese of Gulbarga; Father Roshan Pinto, Director of Sannidhi; Father Veeresh Moras of Tirthahalli; Father Dominic Kristuraj, S.D.B., from Bhadravati; and Father Paul Anand Prasad of Shivamogga were the concelebrants.

During the Mass, the newly elected president of the newly erected Shimoga Central Council, Mr. William Martis, took the oath. The oath-taking ceremony was led by Central CCouncil National President Mr. Jude Mangalaraj.

After Mass, at 6 p.m., an official function was organized at Sneha Sadan, the church hall. Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J., Monsignor Stany D'Souza, Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Fr. Binoy, Mr. Jude Mangalaraj, Mr. Walter Martis, and Mr. William Martis offered felicitations as the Shimoga Diocese SVP was elevated to the status of Central Council. They were felicitated for their service. Each speaker noted the SVP's commitment and dedicated service.

Ms. Deeksha D'Mello compered the program. Mr. Alphonse presented a report on the last 20 years. Mr. Vincent D'Mello proposed a vote of thanks. Members from the Udupi Central Council and Mangalore Central Council were present. All units from Shimoga and the Diocese of Bhadravati were present.

The Shimoga Central Council is the 88th central council in India. It consists of the Shimoga Area Council, the Bhadravati Area Council, and the Diocese of Bhadravati.