Bethany Convent Badibahal in the state of Orissa of Eastern Province,celebrated 25 years of Bethany’s dedicated service in the vineyard of the Lord on 9th February 2023. To mark this solemn occasion, Holy Eucharist was officiated by Most Rev Bishop Niranjan Sual Singh Bishop of Sambalpur Diocese, concelebrated by 9 other Priests of the Diocese. Bishop acknowledged the great services of the sisters and applauded them for their contribution in Pastoral, Educational, Socio-medical ministries in the service of the people of Badibahal. He expressed his joy at the presence of children in the hostel who are cared for with much love and compassion by the sisters.
The Holy Mass was followed by a felicitation programme staged at Bethany Tribal Girls’ Home. Rev Sr Jessy Maria the Provincial Superior of Eastern Province, Sr Anita Moras Assistant Provincial Superior, Fr Paulus Ekka the Parish Priest, other Priests’ and sisters from neighboring parishes as well as from Sambalpur diocese were present for the celebration. Children of Bethany Tribal Girls’ Home, candidates from the parish, and Bethany Lay Associates presented a cultural programme to make the celebration lively.
Sr Jessy Maria, the Provincial Superior read the Jubilee message of Sr Rose Celine Superior General of the Congregation. In her message Sr Rose Celine reminisced the history, contribution and committed services of the sisters from its inception till present. She complemented the Superior Generals of the past, Provincial Superiors, Superiors, Bishops, Parish Priests, BLA members, Parishioners and well-wishers for their memorable contribution.
Sr Clare the first pioneering Superior, Sr Bridget the pioneering member of the community as well as other members present were honored with a shawl and gifted with a memento. Vocations from the parish - Sr Manjula, Sr Deepa, Sr Jemma Soren, Sr Prisca Toppo were felicitated. It was a great joy to realize that there are 12 professed Bethany sisters hailing from this parish, fruit of the labour of our mission. The parents of these sisters, the driver and his wife who served the institute with loyalty for 23 years were honored.
It is a matter of joy and pride that Sr Rose Celine herself was a part of the mission for six long years, as a Superior, initiating enthusiastically Social work in the area. The achievements of Sr Agnella, Sr Jyoti, and Sr Wilberta, the Superior Generals, Sr Miriam, Sr Wilberta, Sr Nora, Sr Maria Leena the Provincial Superiors, and Sr Shaila the first Provincial Superior of Eastern Province were placed on record on this memorable occasion.
News by: Sr Jovita Saldanha BS, Bethany, Badibahal