New Vinnies State President commissioned
By Josh Low
Corey McGrath was officially commissioned by Archbishop Julian as the 12th State President of the St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Society in Tasmania.
The Mass of Commissioning was held at the Church of St John the Baptist in Glenorchy on 24 March, with newly installed National President Mr Mark Gaetani and members of the St Vincent de Paul Society in attendance.
Symbols of Office were presented to Mr McGrath, including a Bible, representing the Good News which he will seek to proclaim through his role, a lit candle symbolising the light of Christ to the world, a loaf of bread and glass of water symbolising the nourishment we need and the struggle of some in the community, and the Rule of the Society to live by.
In his homily, Archbishop Julian invited Mr McGrath to “offer himself to the Lord afresh.”
“Corey, today you are to be commissioned as State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania,” Archbishop Julian said.
“This is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Ask for the grace to be a faithful and fruitful disciple of Jesus, putting into practice the great injunction to love God and to love neighbour.”
In his address, Mr McGrath said he felt honoured to be entrusted with the role.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania is blessed to have so many wonderful, caring, and loving members, staff and volunteers,” he said.
“I feel humbled by the responsibility, the long history of the Society, and the legacy of our past presidents [and] honoured by the trust and faith that has been placed in me by the members and State Council, electing me to the position.
“I’m excited by the prospects for the future, ensuring that the Society is well placed for the challenges for many more years to come.
“With the help of God, I will serve the Society to the best of my ability,” Mr McGrath said.
Mr McGrath’s term as State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania will run until January 2027.