June 17 2018: Bethany opened its 185th Branch House in a new country Nepal, on Sunday the 17th June 2018, as was planned.
Sr Ordilia, Sr Rincy, the Superior designate, and Sr Jessyna Khonglah started their journey from Guwahati accompanied by Sr Edleburgh, the Provincial Councillor, on 8th June 2018. There, Fr Mani SDB, who was instrumenteal in leading Bethany to Biratnagar in Nepal came to receive them. They proceeded to the Nepal Border known as Pani Tanki and loaded Sisters’ luggage on to his Jeep.It is narrated that each packet/ box Fr Mani loaded on to his jeep went with his words “Let this box/ bag remain in Nepal forever”!!!.
They arrived at Don Bosco in the evening of the same day and were warmly welcomed by Fr George Kalapurackal, the Parish Priest, who is also the Dean of East Nepal Deanery, and and Fr Amrit Raj, the Principal of the School. Fathers were very welcoming and treated the Sisters well, like the members of their own family. The Sisters were introduced to the School community in the School assembly and it was a moving experience to the Sisters. Sisters’ first day at School was on 10th which was a Sunday. Nepal has Saturday as their weekend day and Sunday is a working day for them. Sisters started attending School from 10th onwards.
Sisters under the leadership of Sr Edleburgh occupied one wing of the 2nd floor of the School building given for their residence for occupation.Sr Joy, the Provincial Superior, and Sr Mary Diki, the Provincial Councillor,joioned them soon.
On 17th Evening Bishop Paul Simick of Nepal arrived from Kathmandu driving for over 10 hours. It was very encouraging to see all the neighbouring Priests and Sisters, and a small Catholic Lay community present in full strength, about 60 people in all. The Celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist with Bishop and 9 concelebrants. There was music and the Eucharistic celebration was solemn.After the Gospel reading, with the reading of the Decree, the errection of the community took place. While the Decree was read the 3 Community Members stood in front. People present were touched by the Decree.
Before the final blessing, the ceremony of installation of the Superior was conducted – reading of the letter of appointment and giving of the symbols – the Bible, Book of Constitutions and the Keys. After the Mass many mentioned that it was a beautiful and moving ceremony.
After the Mass, there was a felicitation programme. Bishop expressed his happiness in having one more new religious congregation in his Vicariate. Sr Joy presented a brief Story of Bethany through the power point. All gathered were very happy to know the history of Bethany.
All present shared in the fellowship meal. We, particularly the Sisters already felt the beginning of a meaningful presence in Biratnagar in Nepal.
On the following day, all of us were welcomed during the Teachers’ Assembly and in the School Assembly. Sisters have already begun to feel one with the school community. They have begun to visit families and get to know the neighbours. No doubt the Lord will bless this Branch house, with the intercession of our Founder the SD and our founding Sisters and the prayers of one and all.It was indeed the beginning of a new journey for Bethany in a new Country.
Sr Joy and Sr Edleburgh