Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Apr 20: A statue of the founder of Bethany congregation Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas was unveiled at Bethany convent here on Sunday, April 20. A children's park named after the founder was also inaugurated on the occasion.

Fr Francis Serrao, bishop designate of the diocese of Shimoga unveiled the statue. Fr Anthony Serrao, parish priest of Bendore inaugurated the plaque. Ladson Lasrado inaugurated the Raymond Park.

Sr Lillies said, "This work has been undertaken to acknowledge the love of the special servant of God for children and his respect for their rights."

She further said, "Following the example of Jesus, Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas gave great importance to children and always upheld their rights. Even in his busiest moments, he would make some time to attend to their needs. Children used to play around him in the premises of his residence here.

"This statue has been sculpted based on a photograph taken on the occasion of his 75th birthday in the year 1950," she said.

After unveiling the statue, bishop designate Fr Serrao said, “It is important to become a child, to enter the Kingdom of God. This has been written in the scriptures. This park is a gift to all children."