28 July 2021 is a historical day, a day of two fold significance in the annals of the Congregation. It was the 89th anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the Congregation, the day on which Bethany became a religious Congregation and the day on which the first book of the Constitution written by our Founder was approved.
After the Eucharistic Celebration all the members gathered in the Community hall of the Mother House. The decree of Canonical Erection was read by Sr Shanthi Priya, the General Councillor in the presence of Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General, Sr Lillis, Assistant Superior General, Sr Mariette and Sr Lilitta, the General Councillors, Sr Violet the General Procurator, Sr Anitha Shanthi, the Superior of the Mother House, Sr Cleopha, the Administrator, the members of the Generalate and Mother House community. Sisters pledged their loyalty to the Constitution of the Congregation by singing Ps 119, ‘Let me sing of your law…’
It was a happy coincidence that on this memorable day Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General released the books of Sr Marie Ange, a member of Bethany Mother House on ‘Eucharist’ ‘Paramaprasada Namma Jeevanada Keeli Kai’ (in Kannada) and ‘Pavithr Eucharist Amcha Jeevithachi Chavi’ (in Konkany). The books are a compilation of the write ups of Sr Marie Ange to various newsletters and journals, ever since the period of her recovery from a major brain surgery. The purpose being to inculcate in the Catholic readers devotion to Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life.
Thereafter Sr Marie Ange was honoured for her accomplishment. Congratulating Sr. Marie Ange, Sr. Rose Celine, the Superior General commented that the thoughts articulated in the book are the thoughts that flowed from the depth of her heart. Sr Marie Ange had the privilage of meeting the Revered Founder at the age of 7 while studying in St Martha’s School, Mudigere. Sr Rose Celine called upon the sisters to read the Constitutions with love and devotion and to follow them diligently.
The services of Sr Jessy Rita of Mangalore Province who assisted Sr Marie Ange to get the books printed were appreciated. Sr Jessy Rita who has to her credit the editing of ‘Footprints’ (II volume), obituaries of the deceased sisters of the congregation was also honored on the occasion. She was complemented for her readiness to take up literary works, remembering her earlier works, especially ‘Ripples’ , the history of Mangalore Province.
The felicitation program was compeered by Sr Maureen who proposed the vote thanks recognizing everyone who graced the occasion.
News by :Sr Daisy Maria Britto BS, Bethany Mother House