Province Day Celebration of the Bethany Sisters of Mangalore Province
Mangaluru: December 4, The Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore Province celebrated their Province day on 4th December 2022 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor with the theme, ‘Called to walk together to build God’s Kingdom’. The book release of ‘Success Stories and the Province Documentary, ‘Bethany Blossom’ was held on the occasion.
The programme started at 9.30am with the key note address by the Provincial Superior Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca. She gave a clarian call to the members to carry on the legacy of the Congregation by being the messengers of Christ. As Mary the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the Province she invited the members to imitate her virtues of humility and docility to the will of God. Sr Shubha and Sr Anna Maria gave an introductory note to the book release and the Documentary respectively. 24 success stories of sisters’ life experience and the Documentary depicting the life and ministry of Bethany Sisters in the Mangalore Province was enlisted. Later the Documentary was displayed. Sr Reena and Sr Melisha conducted the prayer on the occasion. The programme was compeered by Sr Manisha Rodrigues.
It was followed by the Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev Fr Anil DMello SJ, Rector of Fathima Retreat House, Mangalore. In his homily he exhorted the sisters to await the Lord with greater expectations and longing. Sisters from Rosa Mystica Convent lead the choir. Sisters from St Raymond’s convent arranged the chapel for the mass. Sr Cynthia Dcunha thanked the celebrant and the sisters for praying for the day’s intentions. After the fellowship meal the cultural programme was held at the Bethany Provincialate programme hall. Candidates, Novices and the Sisters participated in it and experienced the unity and oneness among them. The programme was compeered by Sr Jessy Crasta and Sr Lydia Pinto from St Raymond’s Convent Vamanjoor. Sr Sylvia Rebello thanked the participants. The programme was winded at 3.45pm by singing a hymn to Mother Mary.
Report by; Sr Anna Maria BS
Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor
Photos by: Stanley Bantwal