President’s Message for the National Council AGM 2026 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28–30

Dear fellow Vincentian Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Greetings of peace! As we gather for our National Council Annual General Meeting, I invite all of us to pause for a moment before the Lord who speaks gently to our hearts: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” These words have accompanied me throughout my service this past 2 years, and I share them again to each of you — especially to those who labour tirelessly in our

Conferences, often quietly and without recognition, serving Christ in the poor.

1. A Year of Challenges, Growth and Grace

This past year has not been without its burdens. Many of our Conferences have faced challenges in membership, formation, compliance, and the increasing complexity of administrative requirements. Yet, in all these, I have also witnessed tremendous resilience, unity, and faith among our Vincentians.

Your dedication — visiting families, supporting the elderly, journeying with the marginalized, all done with humility while strengthening your Conferences — is the heartbeat of our Society. For this, I express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the National Council.

2. Strengthening Our Vincentian Identity Through Formation

Across Malaysia, I have heard a consistent call from members:

“We need to strengthen our membership via Vincentian spirituality and unity.”

This is why we placed strong emphasis this year on Formation, guided by our Ecclesial Assistant, Rev. Fr. Fredericks. The three formation sessions — in Taiping, Malacca/Negeri Sembilan, and East Malaysia — are designed to help us rediscover:

 our Vincentian vocation,

 our Rule and Statutes,

 our identity as a grassroots Society,

 and our call to serve with humility, simplicity, meekness, mortification and zeal.

Formation is not an event; it is a return to the heart of who we are. I hope we capitalise on this

opportunity to not only deepen our own Spirituality but also perhaps to draw new more

committed members to our Society.

3. ORV – A Mission of Love for the Elderly

The ORV project has been one of our greatest tests and greatest blessings. Despite technical

challenges, delays, and unexpected obstacles, the project is now nearing completion. I thank the dedicated team of Vincentians, consultants, and contractors who have worked tirelessly from the onset of the project in 2019 till date to bring ORV to this stage.

As the building rises, so too does the mission entrusted to us that is to serve the aged and

elderly with dignity, compassion, and love.

We remain committed to ensuring that 30% of the units are reserved for those who cannot

afford aged care, and Conferences will soon receive guidelines to recommend suitable

candidates. This keeps ORV rooted in our grassroots mission.

I also thank the many Conferences that have contributed to the ORV Solidarity Fund. Your unity strengthens our credibility and witness as a national Society. We are indeed very Blessed that we have received the support of our Catholic Church in Malaysia and in a very special way the blessings and support including financial support from the Bishops of Penang, KL Archdiocese and Johor Malacca. Our sincere gratitude and appreciation especially to His Eminence, Cardinal Sebastian Francis for his unwavering support and encouragement, to Archbishop Julian Leow and His Lordship Bernard Paul for their moral and physical support and encouragement. This greatly motivates us to work harder to complete the project.

4. Strengthening Governance and Compliance

This year brought new challenges in compliance, especially with EROS and ROS requirements. I

thank all Conferences for your patience and cooperation. We will continue to support you

through training, guidance, and clearer processes. Likewise, we are ensuring that we operate

our Foundation, Yayasan Ozanam with prudence and efficiently.

Our Constitution review is also progressing well under Bro Hugh’s leadership. This is an

important step to ensure our governance remains aligned with the International Rule and

responsive to the needs of our Society today.

5. Gratitude to Our Clergy, Partners and Benefactors

On behalf of all Vincentians, I extend our heartfelt thanks to our Bishops, priests, Ecclesial

Assistants, and Spiritual Directors. Your guidance keeps us anchored in the Church and faithful

to our vocation.

We also thank our partners, benefactors, and donors who continue to journey with us in serving the poor and marginalized.

6. Moving Forward Together

Sisters and brothers, we have much to do. At times, the work may feel heavy. But the Lord

reminds us:

“Come to me… and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let us draw strength from Him, from one another, and from the Vincentian virtues that have

guided our Society for nearly 200 years.

May this AGM renew our unity, deepen our spirituality, and strengthen our resolve to serve

Christ in the poor, the marginalized, and now the aged and elderly.

Thank you for your trust, your sacrifices, and your unwavering Vincentian spirit.

Serviens in Spe,

Bro Rajenthiran (Raj) Narayanan

National President

Society of St Vincent de Paul Malaysia