Myanmar: St. Vincent de Paul Society holds review meeting of its activities

The annual assembly of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) was held at Leik Tho Parish, Taungngu Diocese, Myanmar, on May 8.  

During the meeting, Father John Soe Tint, the National Council Spiritual director of SSVP, mentioned that SSVP is not a simple charitable group but an association that beautifies the world. 

“The association is trying to renovate the damage of the world caused by our guilt, hatred, and ego, by feeding the needy, giving clothes to the poor, and helping the sick and the ones who cannot afford proper education,” he said.

“This means the society is working together with God in faith. Pope Francis also pointed out that to build up a beautiful world according to Jesus’ dominion over the creation,” the priest added. 

Father Ubaldo Saw Ah Tit, the spiritual director of SSVP Taungngu Diocese said, “To be a Phoenix if we were birds, to be a lion among land animals and as a human it is more graceful to be a member of St. Vincent de Paul so that we can participate in charitable works." 

He encouraged that everyone has individual life that is more valuable than gold although they may not have enough money. A tough life may be possible everything if there is a helpful person to walk together with him.

The priest reminded, “The ones who do not know what better thing to do in life, and the ones who are put into that situation cannot find happiness. When dreams end, life is like a bird with broken wings.”

During the meeting, U Kyaw Min, the president of SSVP the National Council, and representatives from different dioceses presented their annual achievements. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Myanmar, helps the poor, the needy, and the unemployed. 

They also participated in accessing Oxygen for Covid-19 patients. The national council purchased 3 oximeters and 3 oxygen cylinders to help the Covid-19 patients free of charge. 

According to the present situation in Myanmar, the members of SSVP provide the needy with rice, oil, clothes, medicines, and also financial support for university students. 

There are 16 dioceses in Myanmar. Among them, SSVP formed 11 parish councils, 229 conferences, and 13 youth conferences.

William, the President of SSVP Mawlamying Diocese, expressed his joy to attend the meeting. 

That meeting was the first meeting in person after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in Myanmar and he was happy to meet with the other members. 

The SSVP Mawlamying Diocese was able to form St. Vincent youth and adult groups.

He expressed that SSVP Mawlamying Diocese resolves to help the needy and make an effort for the growth of the diocese.

“We are trying to help the widows and trying to find ways to support education. We never stop trying for the improvement of our diocese and looking how to help as well,” he said. 

During the annual meeting, diocesan representatives of St. Vincent de Paul from Yangon and Mandalay Archdioceses, Lashio, Bamaw, Pyay, Mawlamying, Pha An, Taungngu,  and Myitkyina dioceses attended the meeting. 

Along with Father John Soe Tint, the spiritual director of National Council SSVP, Father Ubaldo Saw Ah Tit, the spiritual director of SSVP Taungngu diocese, the members of the SSVP National Council, St. Vincent de Paul Youth Council, members of Leik Tho Parish, Taungngu diocese and the youths also joined the event.  

In 1833, a young boy, Frederic Ozanam founded the organization in Paris, France. 

He intended to challenge for witnessing his faith of Christian values on charity. To do so, along with his friends, he started the organization. 

To praise St. Vincent de Paul, who used to eagerly help the poor with great motivation, the association of Frederic Ozanam is named "Society of St. Vincent de Paul."

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul was established in Myanmar at St. Mary Cathedral in Yangon, on October 9, 1883. – With inputs from Pinky Thiri Kyaw, Marcus Nyi Nyi Tun / RVA Myanmar