The Feast of the transfiguration of our Blessed Lord on 6th August was a memorable day in the history of North East Province, the 60th anniversary of the landing of Bethany Sisters at Madonna Convent, Kolasib, Mizoram.
The celebration commenced with the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration officiate dby Most Rev Bishop Stephen Rotluanga, Bishop of Aizwal diocese concelebratedby Fr Andrew Lalbiakfela, parish priest, Fr Jerome Vungbiakdika, Secretary to the Bishop, Fr John Zoduhsanga, Rector of St Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Kolasib, Fr Gabriel Laltlanthanga, Priest of St Henry’s Church, Vairengte at 11 am. Sr Lucious, the Provincial Superior of Silchar Province, Sr Surekha Lobo and Sr Mary Naulak, the Provincial Councillors, Sr Kanti, the Superior of Madonna Convent, members of the community, Sisters from Mamit, Siphir, Aizwal and Silchar, Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Missionaries of Charity, church leaders, parishioners, BLA members, candidates, hostellers, teachers and students present on the occasion added joy and glamour to the celebration.
Following the Eucharistic celebration the bust of the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas was blessed by the Bishop and was unveiled by Sr Lucious, the Provincial Superior in the Convent garden. The Bishop invoked God’s blessings on the Congregation and all Bethany Institutions especially Madonna Convent, Kolasib, being the first religious house in North East India. In his address he expressed his gratitude to God for Bethany, for creating a history by pioneering the mission in the North East, the first women religious Congregation in Mizoram and Tripura. He deeply acknowledged the good work done by Bethany Sisters since its inception until today.
The message of Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General felicitating the Provincial Superiors and Sisters of Silchar and Guwahati Provinces on this auspicious occasion, appreciating their contribution for the growth of the Province, was read out by Sr Surekh Lobo, Provincial Councillor. In her greetings, Sr Rose Celine paid a tribute to the four daring pioneers and complemented the foresight of Mother Macrina, the then Superior General who was daring to open the new mission despite its challenges. Sr Lucious recalled the undaunted courage and zeal , determination and commitment of Sr Misericors, Sr Sylvine, Sr Inviolata and Sr Dolora, who ventured into this far off land to build the kingdom of God.Sr Jean D Gangmei compered the programme.
The celebration reached its climax with a sumptuous meal. A celebration of 60 Diamond years, a celebration of the past achievements and hope for the even longer journey ahead, in tune with the theme of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, “The Journey Continues…”
News by: Sr Shalini Mary BS and Sr Jean D Gangmei BS, Madonna Convent, Kolasib