…As Society of St. Vincent De Paul Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Christians and indeed Catholics have been urged to inculcate the virtues of humility and charity in all they do, as they are urged to serve God and humanity with their earthly possessions. The charge was given by Very Rev. Msgr. Bernard Okodua, Episcopal Vicar, Lagos Region in his homily at the International Conference of Society of St. Vincent De Paul National Council of Nigeria 60th anniversary Western See celebration and National Grand Finale held at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Buknor, Lagos. Msgr. Okodua urged Christians to be humble and accept their nothingness before God, adding that they should not be too avaricious as they give glory to God who has given them all that they have. He said: “Glorify God with your wealth by sharing with others like St. Vincent De Paul. “St. Vincent De Paul was not a poor person. He was from a wealthy home, but he saw the poverty of the people around him. He saw the dejection; he saw the degradation of life by the high and mighty. He said St. Vincent De Paul chose to be poor, as he sold his property and gave the proceeds to the poor and dedicated himself to serving and providing for their needs.
He noted that St. Vincent De Paul established the Vincentian society and the Daughters of Charity precisely to continue the work of charity because that is what Jesus did, going about doing good. Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ukadike (CM), National Spiritual adviser/Chaplain, commended members of the society for their selfless contributions He appreciated Rev.Fr. Joseph Nwokeforo, Priest in charge, Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church and his council having the society hold their conference in the parish at a short notice. Welcoming all to Jesus the Saviour parish, Fr. Joseph Nwokeforo disclosed that a Marian Grotto in the parish, under the title, “Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted” will be commissioned and blessed same day. He noted that with the situation of things in the country and world at large, the people need the intercession and comfort of the mother of the saviour of the world. In his Keynote Address, Bro Francis Amole, National President, Society of St. Vincent De Paul, National Council of Nigeria, called on the Vincentian members and lovers of the poor from all walks of life to be focused, dedicated, sacrifice and above all show love to the lowly in the society.
In his address presented on the occasion, Bro Peter Kalu (KSM), Chairman, 60th anniversary, Western See/Grand Finale LOC, appealed to members of the society to continue the service delivery and support to humanity by putting smiles on the face of the less privileged in their communities. “By so doing, we can heal the world and make it a better place to live”, he said. For his part, Bro Victor Eze (KSM), Chairman, SSVP Nigeria at 60 Committee, said the celebration which is the third leg of activities marking the society’s 60th anniversary and all is done in appreciating God for the work of organized charity in Nigeria for the last 60 years. He said the event is also an avenue to generate funds for a national secretariat for the society.
