Bishop Aloysius visits Kenya; Bethany's first convent in Tanzania erected

Report: Fr Anto Poruthur
 
Tanzania, Jul 18: Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the bishop of Mangalore made a historic decision to take up a mission in Tanzania (East Africa) to mark the post-centennial silver jubilee of the diocese. This is the first time the diocesan clergy has come forward to do pioneering work outside India.

On his way the bishop and the team of priests had a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya. It was a promise he kept. As he had come on an exploratory trip about a year ago he had given word that he would come and spend a little more time with the people of God and also all others hailing from the same region. Taking time in Nairobi he also called on John Cardinal Njue explaining to him about the purpose of his visit and also presenting a memento, brought all the way from Mangalore.

Bishop Aloysius took time to visit the institutions of Apostolic Carmel and Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Sunday, July 14 was the D-day for Mangalorean Catholics in Nairobi. The bishop celebrated Eucharist at Consolata Shrine, the church packed to capacity. The faithful gathered there were drawn from different races and countries.

Introducing the bishop to the parishioners, the parish priest, Fr Daniel Bertea made a special mention of the contribution made by Kanara Konkani Catholics by bringing a big, beautiful statue of Our Lady of Consolata from Mangalore and erecting it in the Prayer Garden at the premises of the church. During the homily the bishop said that the faith is quite alive in his diocese and one of the signs of it is the numerous vocations to priesthood and religious life.

The Catholic media too followed up with the visit of the Bishop. He interacted with media persons in his characteristic affable style. In response to a question he spoke briefly about the Catholic faith, Church and its challenges in India as well as in his diocese. He also added that their mission envisaged in Africa is basically geared to meeting the human needs of all irrespective of race or religion.

A function to felicitate the Bishop and the visiting priests (Fr Vincent Monteiro, Fr Onil D'souza, Fr Hilary Lobo Victor Machado) was organized by the brotherhood of all those who hail from Mangalore and surrounding areas. Cultural dances from India enthralled one and all. Speaking on the occasion Bishop Aloysius said, “Only if there are roots, there will be fruits.” He exhorted the audience to retain the cultural background and sense of belonging when they are in a foreign land.

Drawing on the experience of Mangalore diocese in Bidar where for nearly a quarter century the priests toiled, he said the same spirit will be maintained in Tanzania too. Until the new diocese of Gulbarga was erected 14 educational and developmental programmes were run by the diocesan clergy sent to serve the people of Northern Karnataka.

Earlier Basil Serrao who emceed the programme said perhaps only in Mangalore children start speaking three languages as they are growing up. Ramesh Kotian made a detailed presentation on the composite culture of Kanara people and how people of various religions and castes live in peace and harmony. Ramesh Phadke, the chairman of Mangalorean Brotherhood feted the bishop with a shawl and bouquet.

On behalf of Kanara Konkani Catholics Michael Sequeira offered hearty felicitations, drawing the attention of the audience to the manifold achievements and contributions this Shepherd of the flock has made for the all-round development of Dakshina Kannada and elsewhere. Irene Sequeira and Veronica Serrao presented a beautiful memento to the bishop.

Representing the religious on this momentous occasion, Fr Anto Poruthur, SVD, said that the erstwhile undivided Mangalore diocese can be legitimately proud of the fact that it has given to the Church in India a record number of over 30 bishops and archbishops. Appreciating the courage with which the priests are embarking on the new mission, he cautioned them to be prepared to face challenges ahead in a strange land.

The programme drew to a close with Rocky D'Mello proposing the vote of thanks to everyone who went out of their way and made the function a big success. The generosity of many could be seen behind the scene that made it possible to have excellent arrangements for the delicious meal, beverages and in various other ways. The underlying message conveyed through this team work is, of course, we are all one in spirit.

Bethany’s First Convent in Tanzania Erected

Report: Sr Wilberta, Bethany Sisters
 
On July 16, the first community of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, in Tanzania was declared erected by Sr Wilberta, the superior general, during a Solemn Eucharistic Sacrifice, concelebrated in the parish of Divine Mercy in Mwanga district, by Dr Rogath Kimaryo, the bishop of Same diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore, the parish priest Fr Peter OFM Cap and other priests, and the missionary priests of Mangalore-Africa mission viz: Fr Alwyn, Fr Rony, Fr Hillary and Fr Victor. The members of the newly-formed community are Sr Antonette (superior), Sr Ruth Ann, Sr Jasmani and Sr Zeena Menezes.

Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, Dr Rogath Kimaryo, the bishop of Same, blessed the site for the new Convent and the Bethany Secondary School which is situated in Mwanga town. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza planted a cross on the site symbolizing the religious presence of the sisters in that virgin soil of Mwanga town surrounded by Kilimanjaro and other mountain ranges. Sr Wilberta, the superior general planted a sapling praying blessings on the new Bethany community and its future mission.

During the homily bishop Rogath Kimaryo appreciated the sisters for their generosity in opening this mission and wished them well for the future. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Aloysius blessed the foundation stone for the new school building. The parish priest Fr Peter OFM welcomed the gathering. Sr Antonette, the superior of the community, spoke words of thanks expressing her gratitude to all those who have helped in starting a community in Tanzania. A large number of parishioners attended the celebration in the Church.

This is the first community of Bethany Sisters in East Africa among the 172 communities in the Congregation spread all over India, Italy, Rome, Germany, France and West Africa. This event was celebrated with added solemnity as it was the foundation day of the Congregation established in Mangalore by Servant of God Raymond Mascarenhas. The founder Mgr Raymond F C Mascarenhas was lovingly remembered and interceded for.