Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 22: The 54th death anniversary of servant of God, Raymond FC Mascarenhas, the founding parish priest of St Sebastian`s Church, Bendur and the founder of the Bethany sisters was commemorated at Bendur on Monday, December 22.

Bishop, Aloysius Paul D'Souza was the main celebrant at the Eucharist which was concelebrated by Fr Antony Serrao, vicar of Bendur and eight other priests.

The bishop said Mgr Raymond was a great man, a man of faith and a holy man who had done a great deal for the Church in Mangalore and for the society at large. He called upon the congregation to pray that Mgr Raymond may become one among the saints.

In his homily, Fr Antony Serrao spoke about the virtues of Mary the Mother of Jesus. He pointed out Mary’s faith, her commitment and her attitude of praising God and glorifying Him at all times. “Like Mother Mary, Mgr Raymond lived a life of faith, total dedication to the causes he espoused (the cause of the Gospel and of the Church), and a spirit of prayer and praise”, he said.

The celebration of the mass was followed by a floral tribute to the servant of God, Raymond FC Mascarenhas. Bishop Aloysius P D`Souza and Sr Wilberta BS, superior general of Bethany, placed wreathes at the tomb of Mgr Raymond, which is located at the extended portion of the Church. A book titled Reminiscing in Tranquility: Sr Violette`s Memories of Mgr Raymond FC Mascarenhas compiled and edited by Sr Mary Naulak BS was released by Bishop Aloysius.

Mgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas was the founding Parish Priest of St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur. He came to Bendur in the year 1914. In 1921, he founded Bethany Congregation for the purpose of providing education to the poorer classes, especially the girls. A man of rare talents, he made use of his gifts for the upliftment of the society. His contribution especially in the field of education in rural areas of undivided Dakshina Kannada is immeasurable. He died on December 23, 1960. The cause of his canonization was taken up in the year 2008, when the Church through the Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius Paul D`Souza recognized him as Servant of God- the first step towards canonization.

Every year the Bethany Sisters commemorate his death anniversary with great fervour. The 54th Death Anniversary celebration held on Monday, December 22 was attended by members of the Bethany Congregation from in and around Mangalore, students from Bethany’s schools in the city and the suburbs, religious and laity of Bendur parish, members of Bethany lay associates, members of Mgr Raymond`s family and many well wishers.