16 Silver Jubilarians give thanks in Bethany Convent, Bendur

Mangaluru: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart (Ps 111:1). The hearts of our sixteen Silver Jubilarians from around the globe reverberate with gratitude on their Quadra-centennial journey of religious life for the unique call given to them to voyage through the consecrated life by the boat called “the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany“. The preparation for this great day began with a month long renewal programme at Bethany Convent, Mangalore and Prabodhana, Mysore.

The Silver Jubilee celebration of Religious Profession was held on 8 May 2023 at Bethany Convent, Bendur, Mangalore. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Mangalore and concelebrated by many priests from the families of our Jubilarians. Bishop Emeritus in his homily enumerated the fidelity of God towards the Jubilarians and their response through their selfless services and staunch commitment to God. After the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised in honour of the Jubilarians.

The entry of Jubilarians along with the dignitaries was solemnized with dance and seven symbols of welcome. Sr Mariette, the General Councillor and the Coordinator for Silver Jubilee Programme accorded welcome to the gathering. The Citation of each sister was read out which gave an overall details about the Jubilarians to the gathering. An enthralling greeting song was sung by the Sisters of the Bethany Mother House as the Jubilarians carved the jubilee cake.

Rev Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General congratulated each Sister with much affection and appreciation. She brought home the message that our call to religious life is precious and therefore one needs to cling on to God who has called us to this way of life. The Jubilarians proposed the vote of thanks Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General and all her team members for the opportunity provided to renew themselves to deepen their spiritual journey and for all the arrangement made to make their day a wonderful one.

Special gratitude was expressed to Sr Mariette, the programme coordinator for meticulously planning and executing the entire Silver jubilee renewal and felicitation programme. The programme was anchored by Sr Eulalia BS and Sr Sheetal BS.