Media Release
Puttur, Apr 25: The Lisieux Convent in Puttur joyfully marked a momentous milestone—100 years of unwavering faith, selfless service, and transformative commitment to the community. This historic celebration commemorated the founding of the convent on May 29, 1925, a divine vision brought to life by the Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas.
The genesis of Lisieux Convent traces back to the heartfelt request of Fr Joseph Aloysius Rodrigues, then parish priest of the Mother of God Church in Puttur, who invited Fr Mascarenhas—founder of the Bethany Congregation—to send sisters to teach at the newly established St Francis Xavier Boys’ School. Rising to the call, Sisters Lourdes, Margaret, and Anne stepped forward, with Sr Lourdes appointed as the first superior. What began as a humble mission has, over the decades, flourished into a radiant beacon of faith, education, and hope for generations.
The centenary thanksgiving Eucharist was solemnly celebrated by bishop emeritus of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. He extolled the courage of Fr Mascarenhas and the early Bethany Sisters, who established the first branch of the congregation in Puttur when Bethany was only four years old. The homily by Fr Stany Lobo, parish priest of Holy Spirit Church, Mukka, reflected on the Emmaus journey, drawing parallels to the Lord’s walk through Puttur in the presence and mission of the Bethany Sisters. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by 14 priests, including Dr Geevarghese Mar Makarios, Bishop of the Diocese of Puttur, who graced the occasion with his presence.
The felicitation programme was presided over by Sr Rose Celine, superior general, with Bishop Mar Makarios as the chief guest. In her introductory address, Sr Lilly Pereira, provincial superior of Mangalore province, reflected on the founding vision of Bethany in Puttur—a mission rooted in living and embodying the message of Christ.
Bishop Mar Makarios highlighted the spiritual kinship between Bethany of Malankara and Bethany of Mangalore and praised the Bethany Sisters’ simple lifestyle and their courage to serve all, regardless of circumstance. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, parish priest and vicar forane of Puttur deanery, acknowledged the indispensable role of the Bethany Sisters in building the Kingdom of God by nurturing hearts rooted in divine love. Assistant commissioner of Puttur subdivision Balakrishna Kemminje expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the broader community, lauding the Bethany Sisters’ life of quiet sacrifice and steadfast commitment to Gospel values—an inspiring contrast to today’s culture of fame and materialism. Block education officer of Puttur taluk Lokesh S R affirmed that the greatest gift the Bethany Sisters brought to Puttur was value-based education and recognised the tireless efforts of the BES staff in this noble mission.
The centenary spirit reverberated through the presence of past and present community members and superiors of Lisieux Convent, who were all honoured for their enduring contributions. Former provincial superiors were specially recognised for their visionary leadership. Donors, well-wishers and Bethany lay associates were also acknowledged. As a gesture of deep respect and gratitude, Sr Rose Celine and Sr Lilly Pereira were felicitated by the dignitaries.
In her presidential address, Sr Rose Celine recalled the founder’s profound trust in divine providence—establishing a new house in Puttur with just 13 members, when the congregation was in its infancy. She noted the providential alignment of the Lisieux Centenary with the centenary of the canonisation of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the second patroness of the congregation—a moment of deep spiritual significance.
The celebration came alive with cultural performances by students of Bethany and Little Flower schools. A moving dance-drama beautifully depicted the life and mission of the Bethany Sisters in Puttur—past and present.
Sr Prashanthi, superior of Lisieux Convent, welcomed the gathering, while Sr Reema Janet and Sr Venisha compered the programme. Sr Reena Vas read the citations, and Sr Sunitha Mary and Sr Celine Petra proposed the vote of thanks. The entire community of Lisieux was heartily applauded for their yeoman service and the successful orchestration of this memorable celebration.