The SSVP Valencia unit celebrated its 90th Jubilee on 12th October 2025 with a solemn and meaningful program held at the Golden Jubilee Hall at 10:30 AM.
The event began with a warm welcome by Julian DSouza, President of the SSVP Valencia unit. The celebration was symbolically inaugurated by watering a plant, signifying growth, sustainability, and continued service. The program was compered by Vincent Mendonca, who guided the proceedings with grace and clarity.
The dignitaries on the dais included:
Fr Flavian Lobo, Spiritual Director, SSVP Mangalore Central Council
Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Spiritual Director, SSVP Episcopal City Deanery
Fr Roque DSa, Spiritual Director, SSVP Valencia Unit
Ronald Rodrigues, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Valencia Church
Joe Coelho, President, SSVP Mangalore Diocese
Julian DSouza, President, SSVP Valencia Unit
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Leo Tauro, Vice President, SSVP Valencia.
Following the program, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at 11:30 AM in the church by Fr Flavian Lobo, with Fr Roque DSa as co-celebrant.
The celebrations concluded with a fellowship meal at the Golden Jubilee Hall.
A Legacy of Compassion and Service Since 1935
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SSVP) unit at Valencia Parish was established on August 15th, 1935, under the visionary leadership of then-parish priest Rev. Fr Monthu Menezes. Rooted in the mission of Christ “Whatever you do unto the least of my brothers, you do unto Me”. The unit has since been a steadfast beacon of hope and mercy to the less fortunate members of the parish.
A Mission Grounded in Christ’s Love
For over nine decades, the SSVP Valencia unit has dedicated itself to uplifting the underprivileged, ensuring that no one in the parish is left abandoned in their time of need. The unit provides vital assistance in the form of food, shelter, medical aid, funeral support and educational help, made possible through the generous contributions of parishioners, benefactors and well-wishers from near and far.
Regular Meetings and Outreach Planning
The members of the unit gather every Sunday at 9:00 AM for their weekly meeting. These gatherings are not merely administrative but are rooted in prayer, reflection and compassion. Each week, the team plans and coordinates outreach efforts, visits adopted families, assesses their needs and finds sustainable solutions.
Celebrating the joy of the needy
Special emphasis is placed on ensuring that the poor and marginalized are able to partake in the joy of major feasts such as the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christmas, Easter, and the Parish Patron Feast. During these times, families are provided with meat, vegetables, and groceries, allowing them to celebrate with dignity and joy. These celebrations foster not only material relief but also spiritual inclusion and a sense of belonging.
Supporting Dreams and healing Lives
The SSVP Valencia unit sponsors the education of deserving children from financially struggling families, empowering them to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
In times of illness, the unit provides financial support for medical treatment, especially for cancer patients and those undergoing dialysis, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.
Standing by families in grief
True to its mission of compassion, the SSVP also extends help in times of bereavement. In the unfortunate event of a death in the family, the unit steps in to support burial and funeral arrangements, offering both financial aid and emotional comfort to the grieving families.
Building homes and Restoring Dignity
From 2023 to 2025, under the able spiritual guidance of Fr Roque DSa, the SSVP Valencia Conference undertook several significant humanitarian projects. The unit renovated homes and constructed new houses for the homeless and vulnerable, restoring safety and dignity to many families. These transformative initiatives were made possible by the selfless generosity of parishioners, overseas benefactors, and organizations such as CODP Mangalore and NRI philanthropist Michael DSouza.
A Journey of 90 years – A Testament of Faith and Dedication
As the SSVP Valencia unit celebrated an inspiring 90 years of dedicated service, it continues to shine as a ray of hope in the parish bringing light where there is darkness and love where there is despair. Their journey stands as a living testament that faith without action is incomplete, and that even the smallest act of kindness can transform a life.
Looking ahead with hope
With God’s grace and the continued support of the community, the SSVP Valencia unit remains steadfast in its mission. As they look to the future, may their noble work flourish, and may the Lord bless their endeavors abundantly.
Let us pray that their hands never tire, their hearts never waver and their mission continue to inspire generations to come.
Current Leadership
Spiritual Director: Fr Roque Dsa
President: Julian DSouza
Vice President: Leo Tauro
Secretary: Zeena Machado
Treasurer: Ronald Rodrigues
Active Members
Santhosh Sequeira, George Rodrigues, Jessy Baretto, Flavy Lewis, Flavy DAlmeida, Valerian Monis, Vinay Lobo, Vincent Mendonca, Rita Pinto, David DSouza, Baptist DSouza, Alwyn Mascarenhas, Vincent Pinto.
Auxiliary Members
Alwyn Suares and Zeena Suares.
Honorary Members
Felix Dsilva, Alwyn Fernandes, Richard Mascarenhas, Thomas Lobo, Ida DSouza, Francis Crasta, Merlyn Rego, Sylvia Sequeira, Flavia Sequeira, Felix Lasrado, Ronald Rodrigues and Joe Fernandes.
Those who wish to contribute towards this noble cause and become a helping hand in the mission of the SSVP Valencia unit are kindly requested to contact any of the members listed above. Your support can bring light and dignity to someone in need.
By Gordon DAlmeida
