Bethany is a gift of love from the Father to the Church and the world. It is tended with maternal care by the Queen Mother of Bethany. Therefore with immense joy and gratitude the Sisters of Bethany Mother House and the Generalate celebrated the feast of Mount Carmel and the 101st Foundation day on the 16th of July 2022.
As a preparation nine days novena, four hours of adoration on the previous day and a meaningful hour of prayer on 15th evening were conducted. During the prayer hour Rev. Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General reflected on the Magnificat of Mary. She emphasized on the importance of gratitude and to count God’s blessings. She recounted God’s blessings on Bethany spiritually, temporarily/materially, emotionally, etc
The daring faith and the loving commitment to mission of the pioneers who formed the nucleus of Bethany were recalled and the Sisters were called upon to revive and be renewed to walk in their footprints. Memento was made of the Sisters who lived and toiled for Bethany and have gone to their heavenly reward.
Bethany is indebted to the dynamic pastor and the prophetic visionary, the Servant of God Raymond FC Mascarenhas, our Founder, who planted Bethany by the running waters that has spread beyond India to Nepal and the continents of Africa and Europe. Earnest prayer was made that the Founder be raised to the honours of the Altar.
On 16th morning the solemn thanksgiving was held at 11 O’ clock. Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas OP, the Vicar for Religious of Mangalore diocese concelebrated the Eucharist with Rev. Fr Ronson Pinto, the Asst Priest of St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur. Fr Daniel in his homily pointed out that any foundation has humble beginnings. It is God who lays the foundation and builds the edifice for His glory. Referring to the Incarnation and Mother Mary, he spoke on the importance of seeking God’s will, on silence and quiet listening, the gift of one’s presence to God and to each other and the need to live the Charism and Spirituality bequeathed by the Founder.
Following the Eucharistic celebration a short refreshing programme was held in the Pushpalaya refectory. Sr Dona, superior of Mother House welcomed one and all. Sr Shaila, the administrator greeted Rev. Sr Rose Celine, who in turn greeted the Sisters, introduced Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas, OP the new Vicar for religious of Mangalore diocese and gave her message in brief. A group of sisters danced to the tune of Bethany’s Coat of Arms. Curtain was drawn for the day with a delicious family meal.
News by: Sr Hilarita BS, Bethany Mother House, Bendur, Mangalore