The Community at Thiès Senegal was canonically erected in Grand Thialy by Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General accompanied by Sr Shanthi Priya, the General Councillor during the canonical visitation of 3 Bethany communities in Mauritania and Senegalon 15th September in 2017.Bethany Thies was the second community in Senegal. The visiting doctors apartment in the hospital was given to the Sisters by the Diocese as their residence.
Since then efforts were on to construct a house for sisters. Bishop Mgr André GUEYE planned to build it in stages as for the availability of funds. The ground floor was ready in 2023. The Congregation agreed to assist in procuring funds for the completion of the house on the first floor, since individual rooms for sisters and a place to receive the aspiring candidates of the French Zone was required.
The house blessing commenced at 11.30 am on Saturday the 5th October, 2024. A large size photo of our revered Founder Servant of God, Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas and a portrait depicting our charsim and spirituality was placed at the entrance. After a warm welcome and introduction, by Sr Shashi Rosalia, the Superior, the new house was inaugurated by Sr Latha, the Delegation Superior. Sr Smitha, the Delelgation Councillor was present on the occasion. Most Rev Bishop André GUEYE, the main celebrant, 7 priests, 3 altar boys and sisters of the 3 communities entered the chapel in procession to the melody of Bethany Anthem sung by the choir in polyphony.
During Kyrie, Bishop blessed the gathered assembly and the walls of the house. During the homily, he invited the Sisters to become merciful after the example of St Faustine, the saint of the day, as Bethany Charism invites us to be compassionate apostles. During the prayer of the faithful, intercessions were made for our Founder,and prayer was offered for local vocations to Bethany. The altar was blessed and the altar linen wasarranged before the offertory. The priests together with Bishop kissed the altar before proceeding with the offertory. The tabernacle was blessed followed by a few moments of adoration, singing Tantum Ergo after the communion.
Then followed the blessing of the house by the Bishop. Sr Latha voiced out her gratitude to all and invited the parents to conscientize their children to answer God’s call mentioning that the house is now ready to receive them. Then Sr Ignatia named and thanked important persons involved in this project. People of Grand Thialy were especilly thanked for their active participation. Gifts were given to some significant persons.
After the final blessing, a photo souvenir with the bishop was clicked. SEDICOM the communication centre immortalised this event through you-tube video. All gathered went to the church premises to particpate in the sumptuous meal, prepared by the generous helpers of Grand Thialy.
May Bethany grow in Africa. May it’s Charism flower and bear abundant fruit.
News By:Sr Ignatia D’Souza BS,Bethany Thiès, Senegal, Africa