On 30th July 2024, a wave of gratitude and nostalgia washed over the Berhampur community as the Bethany Sisters concluded their 45-year-long journey of dedicated service. The Bethany Sisters’ tenure in Berhampur was characterized by their unwavering commitment to education, social work, and pastoral care. They established St. Vincent's School, which has become a beacon of hope for countless underprivileged children. Beyond academics, the sisters were actively involved in various community development initiatives, empowering women, youth, and farmers through social work.
A special thanksgiving Eucharist was celebrated to express gratitude for the contribution of sisters. The event was graced by the presence of Sr Jessy Maria, Provincial Superior, Sr Margarita D Souza, Sr Monthie Albuquerque, Sr Jessica Alphonsa. The Assistant Parish Priest Fr Prabhudas Nayak, Parish Council organized a heartfelt tribute to the sisters. Mr Vincent Das, the secretary of the Parish Council lauded Bethany’s role in education, pastoral ministry, and community development.
A heartfelt farewell was extended by the staff of St. Vincent's School. The School President and Vice President lauded the Bethany Sisters for imparting value-based education through committed teachers and shared personal experiences of the sisters' compassion and understanding. Ms. Suman Sahoo, a former student and currently a teacher, shared her nostalgic journey, from being a student in 1979 under Bethany's guidance to witnessing the institution's return to DC management as a teacher. She further said, “We revel in nostalgia, as we travel back to the intervening decades that have stories to tell of rousing success, and experiences to share thus evoking a strong message of support & solidarity that fostered a bond between the management & staff, students and parents. A culture of respect, reverence and worship was born through this journey of enlightenment, empowerment and enrichment in the past 45 years incorporating the core values of BES as a way of life, helping students to live their dreams, respecting humanity and opening a new world of love, kindness, trust, hope & empathy.”
Sr Shanti Priya delivered a heartfelt speech commemorating the Bethany Sisters’ 45 years of dedicated service. Comparing the school's journey to that of a child nurtured from infancy to adulthood, she highlighted the immense dedication and growth experienced by the Bethany Educational Society (BES) Mangalore. Citing the parable of talents from Matthew 25, she emphasized that St. Vincent’s School, entrusted to the Bethany Sisters in 1979 by then Provincial Superior Sr Pilar, had flourished under the leadership of subsequent principals and Provincial Superiors. Despite numerous challenges, the school has expanded from one institution to three, including NIOS, with student enrolment soaring from 500 to over 1954. The staff has grown from 20 to 72, with a dedicated team of five Odia medium teachers. Today, St. Vincent’s School stands as a prestigious institution and a source of pride for Berhampur. She acknowledged the invaluable contributions of both past and present staff, commending their unwavering commitment to education, collaborative spirit, and dedication to excellence. Their alignment with BES' vision, goals, and core values has been instrumental in shaping generations of young minds.
In her address, Sr. Jessy Maria expressed sincere appreciation to the entire staff. Reflecting on the school's 45-year journey, she acknowledged the shared experiences of successes, failures, and challenges, emphasizing the unwavering support of the staff. She lauded their commitment to imparting quality education, which has enabled students to achieve great heights and become valuable members of society. She concluded by encouraging the staff to extend the same support to the incoming management.
Sr Monthie delivered a heartfelt farewell address, thanking staff, parents, and students for their support. She emphasized the need for change as the school transitioned back to DC management and expressed gratitude for the love and faith reposed in her. She encouraged every one to dream big and strive for their goals.
The MOU between the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore and Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul sisters was signed by Sr Shanti Priya BS, Assistant Superior General and Sr Teresa Parakal DC, the Provincial Superior of DC sisters, with the witnesses, Sr Violet D Souza BS, the Procurator General, Sr Jessy Maria BS, and Sr Maria Goretti DC, Sr Grace Moolan DC.
Bethany is grateful to the Lord for His guidance. The Lord was there through the thick and thin of life, enabled us to face all the challenges bravely and accept the successes gracefully and gratefully. We are indebted to the Superiors General and their team, Provincial Superiors and their team for constantly supporting the sisters in the ministry at Berhampur. May the name of Jesus our Lord be glorified forever.
News By:Sr Anita Moras BS, Asst Provincial Superior