Mangalore Oct. 05: A significant day dawned in the annals Bethany Congregation on 1 October, the feast of Little Flower of the child Jesus. The long awaited dream of releasing of the Bethany Centenary Document by Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General, in the presence of Sr Lillis, the Asst Superior General, Sr Mariette, Sr Lilitta, General Councillors, Sr Christine, Procurator General, together with the members of Bethany Mother House community around 70 in number became a reality at 8 am. in Pushpalaya Hall.
At the very outset Sr Mariette greeted Rev Sr Rose Celine in her unique style commending her for bringing the whole of the Congregation into a ‘Loving Whole’, referring to her reflections on St Therese’s song ‘Living by Love’, during the prayer hour. Sr Rose Celine, in her message focussed on the Bethany centenary special document, “LET IT GROW, LET IT FLOWER, LET IT BEAR FRUIT”, which is titled after the Bethany Centenary theme. These are the very words of our Founder taken from his message to the Congregation on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Foundation of Bethany, wherein he invites us to grow in virtues of silence, prayer, charity, obedience, humility and self-sacrifice.
Further she commented that this Centenary document is a diamond that reflects the various facets of Bethany’s life and mission during the past hundred years and its dreams and aspirations for the post centenary years. Bearing fruit in abundance will be possible only if we revisit the charism and spirituality of the Congregation and live it in addressing the numerous challenges of Covid-19 post pandemic period that drastically affect the lives of all categories of people. She suggested that all sisters treasure this book, read, study and live by its spirit and make use of it as a source book of study for the next General Chapter. All those who were involved in writing, editing and printing this document were profusely thanked by her.
Thereafter the centenary document was released by her amidst thunderous applause and singing of a verse from the hymn ‘Little Flower of Carmel’. ‘Little Way Association of Bethany Florets - A Teachers’ guide’, translated into English by Sr Theresine was also released on this occasion. The Junior Sisters were greeted since the Little Flower is specially given to them as their model and guide.
Sr Anitha Shanthi, the Superior the Bethany Mother House community compeered the entire programme which was preceded by a solemn Eucharistic celebration.
News by, Sr Bonita BS, Bethany Mother House
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