The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) marked the 100th anniversary of the foundation of its conference at Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge on Tuesday 10 December with the celebration of Holy Mass offered by parish priest Fr Philip Griffin. 

Stourbridge SVP Conference Members were joined at Mass by representatives of conferences from Brierley Hill, Dudley and Halesowen.

Following Mass Ken Baker, President of the Stourbridge Conference, hosted a celebration supper in the Parish Centre.

Archbishop Bernard Longley sent a warm message of congratulations, encouragement and thanksgiving for the service of the SVP in Stourbridge and across the Archdiocese:

"It gives me great pleasure to offer some words of congratulations to the St Vincent de Paul Conference at Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge, as you gather to mark this significant anniversary of your foundation with the celebration of Mass.

"At this time of year, as we look toward the joyful celebration of Christmas, there is generally among people a renewed focus on the needs of others, particularly those who may find themselves without shelter or lacking in some basic need around the Christmas season. Although it is important that people are made aware of the needs of others, we know that this help and support is not just seasonal.

"As disciples we are called to find practical ways of helping and encouraging each other in the support we can give, especially as the Church, to the homeless, to those lacking shelter, clothing and food. Since its foundation, the SVP has lived out this calling through a witness of prayer and generous practical support, while gently preserving the dignity of every person it supports. 

"Throughout my own ministry, I have seen what the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul means to those people who have been offered its help and friendship, and I am deeply grateful for its continued presence and work throughout the parishes of our Archdiocese.

"On this Centenary celebration, I wish to thank you as the Conference of Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge, for all that you undertake in supporting this important aspect of the Church’s mission. I do assure you of my prayers, kindest wishes and encouragement in your continued witness of faith, especially within the wider community which we are all called to serve after the example of Christ himself."

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