Central Administration News

16th July 2020 was indeed a day of triple joy for all of us in Tanzania Delegation as the day was remarkable for triple events: Firstly, the inauguration of the Centenary year of the Congregation of the Sisters of Little Flower of Bethany,(commonly known as Bethany Congregation) Mangalore, India; Secondly, the canonical erection of the community and the blessing of Bethany Convent/Novitiate building and thirdly the transfer of the Novitiate from Mwanga the Diocese of Same, to Vikuge village in the Archdiocese of Dar-Es-Salaam .

On this day, at 12 pm, in the gathering of members of the Delegation, Novices, formees at other stages and a handful of locals, the Parish Priest Fr Jacob Prabhakar MoC assisted by Fr Prashanth Raj MSFS blessed the house and the Novitiate building. To mark the beginning of the Centenary Year of Bethany Congregation, the Eucharistic celebration began with the Bethany Anthem during which the members of the Delegation led in procession with rhythmic steps singing the symphony of gratitude to the Almighty. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was offered by the Parish Priest Fr Jacob Prabhakar, and the concelebrants Fr Pius MSFS, Fr William MSFS and Fr Prashanth Raj MSFS. After the Homily, the Decree of erection of the community by Sr Rose Celine BS the Superior General was read by the Delegation Superior of Tanzania Sr Antonette Coutinho.

During the short felicitation program centenary symphony was sung by the formees. Then Sr Namritha the newly appointed Superior raised her voice of gratitude to the Superior General for entrusting her the responsibility of animating the community and thanked all the members of the Delegation for their cooperation in making the day meaningful.

The presence of the priests and a few invitees especially Mr Charles Simon Assey with his family, added joy to our celebration. During the meal Mr. Charles Assey the benefactor and donor of the 7 acres of land was thanked profusely for his affectionate care to Bethany Congregation. He, in turn congratulated the sisters for the efforts taken to construct the beautiful Novitiate House. From this day onwards the Novitiate which was housed at Mwanga, Same Diocese is transferred to Vikuge in Dar-Es-Salaam Archdiocese. Sr Anseline the Novice Directress, Sr Cheriline the Assistant and 8 Novices felt happy to continue the formation in a new environment.

We are grateful to Sr Rose Celine the Superior General and her councillors for the encouragement, support and guidance in this venture of the construction of the Novitiate House. We do thank Sr Antonette, the Delegation Superior for her meticulous planning and supervision of the construction work.

We, in Tanzania, truly experienced at depth level the meaning of the centenary Logo: ‘Let Bethany grow, flower and bear fruit’ in resonance with the dream of our Founder Servant of God Msgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas.

By Sr Ranjitha, Tanzania Delegation