Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 21: Province assembly of Mangaluru province of the sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Congregation was held on January 19 and 20 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor, with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope with a special reference to Prayer.’
In her key note address, Sr Cicilia Mendonca B S, the provincial superior, expounded the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 wherein Pope Francis urges Catholics to prepare for the Jubilee by spending time in studying the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and focusing on prayer. Fr Arun Luis SJ, the director of Ashirvad Bengaluru, in two sessions on the first day, highlighted on prayer and preparation for forthcoming general elections of the country. He enabled the group to understand nine steps that help in prayer, purpose of prayer and stages in prayer. Next day Kripanjali Tellis Nayak from Attavar, Mangaluru dealt on the topic of Gerontology. She highlighted the various issues of old age and care of the elderly.
On January 2, the felicitation programme for silver and golden jubilarians was held in the Bethany Provincialate Hall. Sr Shanthi Agnes, the silver jubilarian and Sr Agnes Mary, Sr Deepika, Sr Lilly Ange, Sr Laetitiabeth, Sr Lillybeth and Sr Sharon, the golden jubilarians were honoured and greeted by the provincial superior and the councilors along with province assembly members. Superiors and few members from the various communities were represented. Sisters from St Raymond’s community echoed the jubilee chorus. Sr Loyan B S from Bethany Provincialate compered the felicitation programme. It was followed by eucharistic celebration officiated by Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza the director of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor and concelebrated by Fr Kenneth Crasta, the assistant director. In his homily, he highlighted the qualities of a true disciple. Being the sunday of the word of God, he expounded the importance of word of God in day to day life. He also appreciated the generous services of the silver and golden jubilarians towards Bethany Congregation, church and humanity through various apostolates.
Sisters from St Raymond’s community assisted the Eucharist through melodious choir and the members of the province assembly conducted the meaningful liturgy on the occasion. It culminated with a fellowship meal in St Raymond’s Convent refectory.