June 8 2018:“I am 101 and I begin 102”, says Mother Lucina, as she celebrates her birthday on 8th June 2018. She does not stop here, she begins to sing Psalm 102, referring to the blessings she has received during the past years. “Bless the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being, bless His Holy name! Bless my soul, and do not forget all his kindness”. She is right in singing this psalm as she has lived the precious years in early Bethany, the sufferings and humiliations she underwent in Massabiel Convent, Bantwal, from where she continued her missionary journey.
The words of Psalm 102 naturally give rise to the mind of all those who see Mother Lucina, as she continues her spiritual journey on the strong foundation of early Life in Bethany amidst sufferings andhumiliations, still hoping in the merciful love of the Father for Bethany and also to her. Mother Lucina joined Bethany on 3.6.1933, made her 1st Profession and final Profession on 7.5.1943.Herlife of sufferings and holiness started while she was still at Massabiel Convent Bantwal. She displayed her heroism and trust in God, our Father, and worked together with our Father Founder RFC Mascarenhas in establishing the Congregation firmly in the Heart of Mother Mary and Divine Providence.
What a noble life of service and dedication! What an example of holiness and growth, still running the race! How long? She says, the Lord is good to me; the Congregation is kind to me; and I have the satisfaction of working always for the greater Glory of God and sanctity of our Congregation.
She started her mission inDharwad in 1947 and worked hard to implant the spirit of the Charism of Bethany in the entire area of Western Province –from Dharwad to Goa, Belgaum to Sirsi till 1980. The people of Belgaum area remember Mother Lucina gratefully and have sweet memories of her service in education, moral values, Catechism and especially Family welfare. Her zeal for souls is still leading her to the feet of the Blessed Sacrament from time to time where everyone is inspired to see her praying with open eyes and raised hands. Truly I say Mother Lucina is fulfilling her goal of joining Bethany and aspiring to become a saint.
She staredher 102th year with a Thanksgiving Mass. Fr Alwyn SJ and Fr Bosco celebrated the Mass along with the family members of Mother Lucina; representatives from the Provincialate, Sr Jeevan and Sr Helen, added lustre to the celebration. After the Mass Sr Severine, the Superior, garlanded, her sister Sr Saveria, offered her a bouquet of flowers and the members of the community sang the birthday song. Thereafter, the birthday cake and a sumptuous breakfast was served for all.
Sisters of JayamahalCommunity,