It was a historic event, a landmark in Guwahati Province as the celebration of the Twin Jubilee of the Servant of God, RFC Mascarenhas, the Bethany Founder was commemorated on 17 February 2025 at Bethany Provincial House, Guwahati with much grandeur and significance. The heavens opened with the torrential graces on Bethany and we became the persona of this event. We shared in this celebration, the dreams come true for the past 104 years of Bethany’s existence. Being a man of God, a compassionate pastor and a zealous missionary who transposed the strains of sanctity in his ministry has lived in the hearts of many, especially in the life of the congregation and all those associated.
The event began with the documentary display and the solemn entrance procession of the priests and Most Rev John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati Archdiocese as the main celebrant along with 7 priests as the concelebrants. The sisters, fathers, brothers, BLA members and the catholic community offered a joyful worship of mass counting the numberless blessings God Has poured upon the institute through the instrumentality of the Founder. During the homily, the Archbishop admired the holy life of the Founder and said, “The Founder of Bethany has undoubtedly walked the path of surrender through his committed ministry with love and compassion. He has reached out to the rural masses and possessed a great deal of faith and simplicity.”
The beautiful liturgy and a meaningful sermon added much reflective mode during mass. During the gathering, the Coat of Arms was explained and the lyrics associated were sung to the rhythmic music. Sr Benedicta Aranha, the Provincial Superior welcomed the Archbishop and the gathering. The Jubilee cake was carved signifying the dual celebration. All joined in fellowship meal and before the departure each one was gifted with the Calendar of the Founder.
News by: Sr Janet Mendonca BS, Bethany Convent, Arunachal Pradesh