Media Release

Udupi, Apr 24: Walter Martis of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi was elected as president of Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) for Udupi diocese.

The diocesan SSVP unit election was held at Don Bosco Hall, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, on April 17.

The election was conducted by Br Francis Victor, vice president of National Society of St Vincent de Paul and central observer Amnnicio Fernandes, co-coordinator of Western Region, India, originally from Goa.

Gracian Buthell, founder president of Central SSVP, Udupi diocese presided over the occasion. Fr Fredrick D’Souza, spiritual director of diocesan SSVP conducted the starting prayers of the society and gave his keynote address. Fr Valerian Mendonca, spiritual director of Udupi church also spoke on the occasion.

Peter Martis, vice president of diocesan SSVP unit and co-coordinator of the election was present on the dais. Gracian Buthello compered the programme. Eligible voters of the election were present.

The newly elected diocesan president Walter Martis is presently the president of SSVP Udupi Area Council as well as president of Mother of Sorrows Church Conference.