Shimoga Unit of St. Vincent de Paul Society Conferred with Central Council Status

Shivamogga, Feb. 18, 2025 – The St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) Society of the Diocese of Shimoga was elevated to Central Council status during a ceremony held on February 16 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shivamogga.

The ceremony began at 4 pm with the celebration of Holy Mass by Most Reverend Dr. Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, along with Monsignor Very Reverend Father Stany D’Souza, Vicar General and Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, and several other clergy members from the Diocese of Shimoga, Gulbarga, and Bhadravati.

During the Mass, the newly elected president of the council, Mr. William Martis, took the oath of office, which was administered to him by Central Council National President Mr. Jude Mangalaraj.

Following the Mass, an official function was held at Sneha Sadan church hall at 6 p.m. During the function, Bishop Francis Serrao, Monsignor Stany D’Souza, Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Fr. Binoy, Mr. Jude Mangalaraj, Mr. Walter Martis, and Mr. William Martis extended their felicitations to the newly established council and highlighted the commitment and dedicated service of the SVP in the region.

Ms. Deeksha D’Mello compered the event, while Mr. Alphonse presented a report on the society’s 20-year journey. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Vincent D’Mello. The event was attended by clergy members, dignitaries, and members from the Udupi and Mangalore Central Councils, along with representatives from all units within Shimoga and the Diocese of Bhadravati.

With this elevation, the Shimoga Central Council becomes the 88th central council in India. It comprises the Shimoga Area Council, the Bhadravati Area Council, and the Diocese of Bhadravati, further strengthening SVP’s mission of service and outreach.