Provincial Assembly and Jubilee Celebration of Bethany Sisters Held at Mangalore Province
Mangaluru, Jan. 21: Province Assembly of Mangalore Province of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Congregation held on 19th and 20th of January 2024 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope with a Special Reference to Prayer.’
In her key note address, Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS, the Provincial Superior, expounded on the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025, wherein Pope Francis urges Catholics to prepare for the Jubilee by spending time studying the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and focusing on prayer.
Rev. Fr Arun Luis SJ, the Director of Ashirvad Bangalore, in two sessions on the first day, highlighted prayer and preparation for the forthcoming General Elections of the country. He enabled the group to understand nine steps that help in prayer: the purpose of prayer and stages in prayer. The next day, Ms Kripanjali Tellis Nayak from Attavar, Mangaluru, dealt with the topic of gerentology. She highlighted the various issues of old age and the care of the elderly.
The felicitation program for silver and golden jubilarians was held on January 21st, in the Bethany Provincialate Hall. Sr Shanthi Agnes the Silver Jubilarian and Sr Agnes Mary, Sr Deepika, Sr Lilly Ange, Sr Laetitiabeth, Sr Lillybeth, and Sr Sharon the Golden Jubilarians were honored and greeted by the Provincial Superior and the Councillors, along with Province Assembly members. Superiors and a few members from the various communities were represented. Sisters from St Raymond’s community echoed the Jubilee chorus.
Sr Loyan BS from Bethany Provincialate compeered the felicitation program. It was followed by a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash DSouza, the director of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Kenneth Crasta, the assistant director. In his homily, he highlighted the qualities of a true disciple. Being the Sunday of the Word of God, he expounded on the importance of the Word of God in our day-to-day lives. He also appreciated the generous services of the Silver and Golden Jubilarians towards Bethany Congregation, the Church, and humanity through various apostolates.
Sisters from St Raymond’s community assisted the Eucharist through a melodious choir, and the members of the Province assembly conducted the meaningful liturgy on the occasion. It culminated with a fellowship meal at St Raymond’s Convent Refectory.
Report by;
Sr Florine Jyothi BS
Nazareth Convent, Bajpe
