Fr McVerry thanks the SVP for their efforts
MEMBERS of the Drogheda Area of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society had their annual gathering in Ozanam House Mornington.
The night began with a Mass to remember all past members of the Society and to look forward with hope to the year ahead.
Fr. Peter McVerry SJ celebratedthe Mass and spoke about the great role of the SVP in the country, their role in every town and community compared to the local links enjoyed by the GAA.
This gave it enormous credibility with the public and so it was in a unique position to speak up for those who were suffering and in need.
‘ The fact that our Society is volunteer led and that our members are not benefiting materially means that we can never be accused of having vested interests.
‘We do our work with no desire for gain other than seeing the lives of those we visit improved.
‘He encouraged us to continue on with our work and also to develop policies based on our wealth of experience which will address the roots of injustice and poverty in our country,’ Joe Sweeney from the SVP stated. ‘He said that Government will listen to us as they know we are working honestly to remedy the plight of those who are on the margins.’
After the Mass Mayor Pio Smith thanked Fr. Mc Verry for his inspiring talk and also thanked all the members of SVP for their tireless work on behalf of those in need.
He said that as Mayor and as a local councillor he had seen at close hand the work being done by volunteers and the transformative effect it was having on peoples’ lives.
Joe,Area President, thanked all for their great work at Christmas and indeed during the whole year and he paid special thanks to Valerie Campbell and all the staff for organising such a lovely occasion.