Germany, Oct. 2: Excitement and enthusiasm marked 2 October, feast of the Holy Guardian Angels as Bethany stepped into the soil of East Germany, to be involved in health care at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Waren (Müritz) in the Archdiocese of Hamburg at the invitation of Mr Douglas Fernando the manager of the Petrus Werk. It’s a matter of great joy that this is the 16th Community of Delegation Abroad and 188th community of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Mangalore, a fulfilment of the centenary theme ‘Let Bethany increase...Let Bethany flower... Let Bethany Bear Fruit’.
Sr Carmella the Delegation Superior, Sr Latha the Asst. Delegation Superior along with Sr Blecilla, Sr Juliana and Sr Shanthi arrived from Berlin accompanied by Dr Douglas Fernando and Frau Shamberg on 1 October the feast of the Little Flower of Child Jesus.
The next morning dawned by invoking God’s blessings on the new mission with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Brother Martin Walz in the parish dedicated to the Holy Cross, which is in the custody of the Franciscan Brothers. Sisters were accorded a floral welcome by Brother Maritn Walz and Frau Rita Lichtner, parish council representative before the Holy Mass. Sr Carmella, the Delegation Superior read the Decree of erection in the name of Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General of the Congregation during Mass and the community was canonically erected.
Sr Blecilla was installed as the Superior of Bethany convent, Müritz by Sr Carmella, during the prayer hour in the presence of Sr Juliana and Sr Shanthi Preethi the members. All the 3 were congratulated and thanked for their ‘yes’ to the new mission trusting in the Lord after the example of our Blessed Mother.
The clinic is run by Dr Doughlas Fernando and Mr Manfred Geilfuss, the managing directors, with various departments such as Orthopaedic, Rheumatology, Cardiology, Urology, Oncology, Nephrology, Transplantations, Dialysis and Ambulant Therapies. Sr Juliana and Sr Shanthi Preethi will avail their services as Nurses and Sr Blecilla will offer pastoral care to the ailing.
Gratitude to God wells up from our hearts for opening new avenues for our mission in distant places. We are immensely indebted to Sr Rose Celine, our Superior General and her councillors for their farsighted vision and prayerful support. May God bless and reward Mr Douglas Fernando who has confidence in us to carry on this sacred mission.
News by Sr M Carmella BS, Delegation Superior, Germany