By Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

The Society of St Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, celebrated the feast of its patron saint, St Vincent de Paul, with faith, gratitude and a special focus on caring for the health of the parish community on September 27, 2026.

The celebration began with the 8.30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Parish. The main celebrant was Fr Jagdish Parmar, SJ, from the Papal Seminary, Pune. During his homily, Fr Parmar reflected on the life and mission of St Vincent de Paul, highlighting his deep love for the poor, his spirit of service and his commitment to reaching out to those in need.

Just before the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Jagdish Parmar, SJ, and Fr Michael Fernandes were felicitated by the members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul as a gesture of appreciation for their support and service to the parish community.

Soon after the Mass, the Society organized a health awareness session titled “Protecting Your Heart – A Practical Guide to Prevent Heart Attack” in association with the Marian Cardiac Centre and Research Foundation, Pune. The session was specially organized for the parishioners and was attended by around 150 people. At the beginning of the session, Fr Michael Fernandes, the Parish Priest, addressed the gathering and appreciated the initiative of the Society in organizing a meaningful programme that focused on the health and well-being of the parish community.

The main speaker was Dr Manoj Durairaj, Consultant and Cardiac Surgeon, who explained in a simple and practical manner what a heart attack is, its warning signs and, most importantly, how it can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr Durairaj emphasized the importance of staying physically active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. He advised everyone to be careful about their food habits and to eat healthy and in moderation. He also cautioned against prolonged sitting, explaining the importance of getting up, moving around and taking short walks at regular intervals. He strongly urged smokers to quit, highlighting smoking as a major risk factor for heart disease.

The session was interactive, informative and beneficial. The practical guidance helped parishioners understand that simple and consistent changes in daily habits can contribute to better heart health.

At the end of the session, Mr Varghese thanked the Marian Cardiac Centre and Research Foundation, Dr Manoj Durairaj, Fr Michael Fernandes and all the parishioners for their valuable presence and participation.

The celebration of St Vincent de Paul was therefore not only a remembrance of a great saint but also an expression of the SVP spirit of caring for the whole person and serving the community with compassion and concern.