National Council of India

From 14 to 17 October 2025, the meeting of the Board of the International General Council and the visit of the PGI took place in Singapore, bringing together representatives from different regions of the world. The stay combined moments of institutional reflection, direct contact with local social realities, and gestures of fraternity that strengthen the Vincentian spirit and our shared mission.

From the outset, this journey aimed to reaffirm the bonds between the International General Council and the local Conferences of Singapore, recognising the value of the Vincentian fabric in Asia and sharing challenges, experiences, and a common vision for the future.

Tuesday, 14 October: visit to St. Vincent’s Home for older persons

This social work developed by the SSVP in Singapore welcomes older persons who meet three conditions: they have no home of their own, lack economic resources, and live in a situation of loneliness. Volunteers, in addition to providing affection and companionship, organise income-generating workshops and assist them with small day-to-day tasks. There, the young people of SSVP Singapore prepared a special musical performance for the Board, with local songs and original compositions, which became a moving gesture of welcome, and they served dinner on the premises.

Wednesday, 15 October: Committee for the Strategic Plan and Board session

Wednesday began with the meeting of the Committee for the revision of the SSVP Strategic Plan for the next four years, based on four points: 1) Spirituality, Vincentian identity, leadership and youth; 2) Community development and international solidarity; 3) Strengthening the IGG, governance and accountability; and 4) Digital transformation.

Next came the meeting of the Board of the International General Council. It was an intensive working day that addressed various topics, including the Twinning report, which noted the need to promote twinning in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Financial report, which showed the stability of the financial statements and approved, on the one hand, an allocation for the Oceania initiative consisting of a digital transformation plan that could serve as a model for other countries...

In the quiet and humble village of Chiruhat, nestled in the heart of Jharkhand, a new chapter of faith and community was written on 13 October 2024. On this day, a small yet spirited church was established — a long-cherished dream of the local villagers who had, for years, travelled long distances to attend Holy Mass and take part in parish life.

For the residents of Chiruhat, attending church had always meant enduring difficult journeys, often walking miles to reach the nearest parish. Their steadfast devotion, however, never wavered. Recognizing this sincere faith and need, the Ranchi Central Council extended its generous support to help the community realize their dream of having a church within their own village.

With the help of Ranchi CC, all the necessary church articles — from liturgical items to basic furnishings — were provided, transforming a humble structure into a sacred space of worship and hope. What began as a community’s longing soon turned into a living symbol of collective faith and Vincentian spirit.

The Council General International (CGI) of the Society of St Vincent de Paul has launched a new 100% online system for Aggregation requests, available at www.cgi.agreg.ssvpglobal.org

Each National, Superior or Equivalent Council must appoint a “country representative” responsible for aggregation requests. To use the platform, it is necessary to request the creation of an account for this representative from the CGI, either via the form available on the homepage or by writing to: cgi.agregaciones@ssvpglobal.org

The next Aggregations session of the Permanent Section will take place on 15 December 2025, considering all requests submitted before 30 November 2025.

The 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) – National Council of India was held at Ahsirbhavan, Verapoly Archdiocese, Cochin, Kerala, from 12 to 14 September.

This landmark gathering brought together around 120 participants, including Board Members, Management Committee members, Regional Coordinators, and Central Council Presidents from across India.

The AGM was noted for its well-organised proceedings, enabling meaningful interaction between various levels of leadership. Significant time was devoted to discussing the future direction of SSVP in India, including capacity building, youth involvement, and enhanced social impact.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the servant to the poor and the FOUNDER of Society of St. Vincent de Paul - the lifelong champion of the Society, the courageous commitment who lived through "Crisis of Faith".

"I number myself among those who need to feel they are surrounded with love and support, and God has never allowed me to lack in either of these. Let us go to the poor and we must do what is most agreeable to God."

In Frederic's life, love and friendship were inseparable. It is rare in the history of Christianity and of the saints to find a sensibility like this. I wish all my Brothers and Sisters a very Happy feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam.

Bro. Jude Z R Mangalraj
President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, National Council of India

International Vincentian Women's Day is celebrated annually on August 14, marking the birth anniversary of Amélie Ozanam, wife of Frédéric Ozanam. This day recognizes the vital role women play in the organization's charitable work.

• Participants: Approximately 95 participants from 87 Central Councils of India.
• Presidential Address: Brother Jude Mangalraj spoke about courageous women in the Bible.
• Keynote: Sister Rebecca Mont Gomrie focused on the role of women in work.

The celebration emphasized the Society's commitment to promoting women's empowerment and gender equality.

Founded in Paris in 1833, the SSVP was born as a concrete response to poverty. In 1839, our founders approved the reorganization of the SSVP and decided to transform the Council of Direction into the General Council.

Since then, the General Council has sought to remain faithful to the founding spirit while evolving in harmony with the times. Its headquarters remain in Paris, symbolizing its historical roots and original charism.