Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 8: Bethany centenary symposium on the servant of God, Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas was held on the occasion of the centenary of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany through a Zoom meeting on July 6 at 6.00 pm.

The eminent speakers on this occasion were Fr Dr J B Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai church gave his valuable message on the topic 'Msg RFC Mascarenhas the compassionate pastor'. He said that the compassionate love of God has been reflected in his life in various ways bringing solace to the downtrodden, the marginalized women and the girl children in particular and he is remembered for his pastoral zeal and commitment.

Sr Lillis, the assistant superior general at Bethany spoke on the topic 'Msgr RFC Mascarenhas the founder of Bethany'. She said when the servant of God observed during his pastoral visits, young and ordinary girls leaving the diocese for want of opportunity to become religious, he conceived the idea of Bethany to give them an opportunity to serve the Lord. Hence, Bethany embraced all those who the Lord invited irrespective of language or education.

Professor Stephen Quadros, an associate professor in his message mentioned that the founder was a champion of education. Msgr Mascarenhas was an educationist of his time and visualized education as a means to give life and transform the ignorant, especially the poor and the marginalized.

Sr Mariette, the general councilor was the moderator of the symposium who introduced and welcomed the resource persons. The viewers had the opportunity to interact with the speakers of the day. The symposium concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Sr Lisa BS.