Bethany Mother House, Mangalore, had the honour of welcoming two prelates from the African continent on the 13th of Dec. 2024 feast of St Lucy, Virgin and martyr. Most Rev. Mgr Jean-Pierre Bassene bishop of Kolda, Senegal, and Most Rev. Mgr Victor Ndione bishop of Nouakchott, Mauritania, along with Rev. Fr Vincent Lobo, a priest belonging to the Society of Pilar Fathers working in Senegal celebrated the Eucharist at the Bethany Mother House chapel. They were welcomed with the Indian traditional arathi as they ascended the altar of God where our revered Founder had celebrated the Eucharist with much devotion and unction.
Sr Sandhya, the General Councillor introduced the celebrants to the audience/participants. During the homily as though in a prophetic voice the prelate gave us the hope of our Founder the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas would be raised to the honours of the altar before long. After the Eucharistic celebration, the prelates were led to the Pushpalaya refectory with dance and flowers and to the singing of the Bethany Anthem. Sisters Sarita Lobo and Molly Anna introduced the Prelates with their mastery in French to suit the bilingual audience. Fr Vincent being a son of the Konkan soil was adept in adjustment.
Rev. Sr Rose Celine in her welcome speech appreciated the bishops for their pastoral care given to our sisters in Mauritania, a Muslim Republic and a desert, and Senegal, a more Christian country with much greenery. Our sisters serve as missionaries with enthusiasm in these dioceses facing all the challenges of life and mission. It was a joy to see the prelates donned in Karnataka traditional Peta as part of the welcome. The bishops expressed their gratitude for the selfless service and adaptability of the Bethany Sisters and the Congregation. Sr Amrita Ekka proposed vote of thanks.
On the 14th - the next morning, the prelates were on the altar of God to celebrate the Eucharist once again and commence their day with the Lord. After the Eucharistic celebration the eminent guests went through Bethany’s cultural heritage, studying the poor and simple beginnings of Bethany and the effectiveness of the Little Flower’s Missionary zeal. The humility, deep faith and devotion of the bishops were visible as they communed and communicated. The prelates were eager to fish more missionaries as they went about. Most Rev. Mgr Jean-Pierre Bassene bishop of Kolda, Senegal would soon celebrate his Episcopal silver jubilee and Bethany wishes him Ad Multos Annos. After communion Sr Mariette, the General Councillor made a prayer for the distinguished guests and for their mission.
News by: Sr Hilalrita BS, Bethany Mother House