Society turns the big one seven five
By Jeff Dixon
ETC staff

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrated its 175th anniversary April 13 with Masses all across the world. In the Diocese of Beaumont the Society was honored and thanked at the noon Mass at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, and celebrated by Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on its anniversary. I would also like to thank them in a very special way for doing their part in serving the poor and the needy of this community. We are so grateful to have people like you in our diocese,” Bishop Guillory said.

During his homily Bishop Guillory spoke about the desire for a closer relationship with God and Jesus.

“The church is a taste of heaven on earth. It shows us that Jesus is alive in us, all around us. In the readings and in the sacraments. Jesus is always there for us, nourishing us and giving us strength and courage to be with him,” Bishop Guillory said.

Bishop Guillory also spoke about the human need for God to be in their lives.

“Every human being has a desire for something more than themselves. For a partner to love, for a career to feel fulfilled, for money for security. But only God can totally fulfill that desire,” Bishop Guillory said.

During the Mass the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society renewed their vows to continue serving the poor and needy of the community. The Society organizes food drives, visits the sick, participates in bereavement counseling and volunteers at various soup kitchens in the area.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Beaumont has a diocesan council and conferences at St. Louis, Winnie; Cristo Rey, Beaumont; Our Mother of Mercy, Beaumont; and St. John the Evangelist, Port Arthur. For more information visit www.svdpbeaumont.org.