Part of the Diocese of Pala and Kuravilangad Forane Church
Founded in 1911 and celebrates its 103rd anniversary in 2015
The strength of the parish is its families, more than 350 of them
St. Vincent de Paul
“Since you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (Mathew 25:40)
The divine example set by St. Vincent de Paul in helping the poor and living for them changed the life of a young man at a tender age of 20. It was through the initiative of that young man, Frederick Ozanam, that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was formed in 1833, with some of his peers as the first members. Even though the society had a humble beginning it has now grown to become a world-renowned charitable organizationwith over 1.2 million volunteers, 6,000 conferences, spread over 132 nations of the world. The world we live is divided into the poles of haves and have not’s. On one side there is the opulence of riches and the opposite, hunger and poverty. It is the duty of a true disciple of Christ to be a ray of hope, to be a consolation, and to be a helping hand for the desolate and this is exactly that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does.
On 27th November 1976, Vayala St. George conference of the society was inaugurated, during the time when Fr. Garvasis Kandanatt was the vicar of the parish. Mr. Abraham Themballil was elected the first president of the conference. Later, the position was held by Mathai Elavunkal, Varkey Parathottiyil, George Nangyalil, Sebastian Cheravelil and now V K Joseph Vettikkattil. We fondly remember M M Ulahannan Mundakkatharappel (Thevarkattel), who held the position of the president for a long time and served well. Thomas Maripparayil and Joseph Cheravelayil held the posts of vice-president before the present vice-president Jose Kunjanayil. The present members are George Nangyalil, Sebastian Cheravelil, Babu Mathew Valiyathazhathu, Varkey Prarathotty, Mathew Paimballil and James Ramachanatt. The conference meets on a weekly basis and holds prayers, read the society laws, discuss societal issues, and collect secret donations.
As of now, there are five families who are adopted by the conference. Their needs in food, clothing, and education are taken care by the collective efforts of the members. The society has identified a child who has no means for education and adopted him to fulfill his educational needs.
Apart from the regular members of the society there are groups of people who are associated with the society. They are as much a part of the society as we are. They are the people who offer a part of their earnings and strengthen the society in its good deeds for the society.
It is the duty of a true disciple of Christ to be a helping hand for the poor and desolate and it is just that we do. We extend our prayerful wishes to each and every one of you who are part of the growth of Vayala parish, which celebrates its centenary now.
V K Joseph Vettikkattil