Michael Thio takes office as XV International President of the SVDP

“Michael, I ask you to build on the efforts and actions of the former president, José Ramón Torremocha and his predecessors, in order that the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul together with the Vincentian Family throughout the world, might continue to give witness as champions of the poor, walking with them to the loving embrace of our God who has first loved us”  Fr. G. Gregory Gay.

On 27 September 2010 the new President General of the International Confederation of the SSVP, Michael Thio took office.
The ceremony took place with a Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the Mother House of the Lazarist Fathers in Paris, where the remains of St Vincent de Paul lie.
Holy Mass was celebrated by the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Father Gregory Gay, who said at the end of his homily, “As Michael assumes the responsibility of the Society of Saint. Vincent de Paul in a formal way on this day, I pray and ask you to pray with me that he might be that leader who helps the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to be ever more authentic in the living out of its vocation and proclaiming the good news to the poor in and through a service that is personal, practical and political and that those dimensions be achieved in a way that honour might be given to God who is the source of all that we do and all that we are.”
Our International President with his wife at the Holy mass ending
“Michael, I ask you to build on the efforts and actions of the former president, José Ramón Torremocha and his predecessors, in order that the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul together with the Vincentian Family throughout the world, might continue to give witness as champions of the poor, walking with them to the loving embrace of our God who has first loved us”
After Holy Mass, there was a lunch for all those present, at which the new president thanked everyone and emphasised the responsibilities given by authority are places to serve, and that he would exercise his office with humility. He said that it was essential in carrying out this work of service that he was supported by and in communion with the whole family.
The International General President Michael Thio with President Tarrazi (Left), President Torremocha (right) and the General Superior of the Lazarists, Father Gregory Gay
This theme of the mission of service continued throughout the afternoon, when the first meeting of the new International Board took place in the office of the Council General. The Board consists of twelve Vincentian members, including the new spiritual adviser Fr. Audace Marinambona C.M. The meeting will continue its lengthy discussions on Tuesday 28th, and on Wednesday 29th the Territorial Technical Commission will hold its meeting.