03 December 2020: Feast of St Francis Xavier, patron of India and patron of foreign missions witnessed, Bethany Centenary Special Book Launch Event in Bethany Mother House, Bendur at 4.00pm in Raymond’s Hall. Most Rev Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Rev Sr Rose Celine BS, Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore released the books- “Bethany in Frontier Mission”, edited by Sr Shanthi Priya BS, General Councillor and the doctoral thesis- “Academic Performance of Adolescents in Relation to their Self-Esteem and Social Support” by Sr Dr Jessy Maria BS, Assistant Provincial Superior, Eastern Province. The launching program was graced by other dignitaries namely Rev Fr Vincent Monteiro, Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church Bendur, Mr Harold D’souza, Co-founder of Eyes Open International, and member of United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, Fr Gomes, CODP, Mr Naveen D’souza and Mrs Kavya Nataraj the Corporators, General Councillors, Procurator General, Provincial Superiors and Asst Provincial Superiors, the members of the Enlarged Council Meet, Heads and Representatives of the NGOs and Government Departments in Mangalore and the Bethany sisters were the special invitees. Sr Lillis the Assistant Superior General cordially welcomed the dignitaries and guests.
The book – ‘Bethany in Frontier Mission’ is edited by Sr Shanthi Priya BS. It was introduced by Sr Lilitta BS. The book upholds the spiritual legacy of the Founder and founding members. It documents the commendable works of the Sisters, in India and Abroad. It is in response to the clarion call of the Church and the Congregation, to embark on the relevant mission of combating human trafficking, and promoting safe migration. It chronicles the bold and daring efforts put in by our 56 Development Centres bringing hope and solace to the trafficked and exploited migrants. The scientific reflection enlists the impact of its intervention, importance of national and international network and collaboration, to combat the malady, the profit making crime in the world. It also provides insights into the challenges encountered by those on the frontlines. It delights to record those lives which have been ignited because of the timely and impactful interventions of the sisters. This also has provided a platform for the veteran and contemporary Sisters who have made a lifelong, untiring, and passionate commitment to reach out to those on the fringes of the society and to portray their experiential and motivational stories for the readers. In conclusion it paves the way forward for Bethany into the Centenary and beyond.
The Doctoral thesis of Sr Jessy Maria titled “Academic Performance of Adolescents in Relation to their Self- Esteem and Social Support” was introduced by Sr Christine BS, Procurator General. This thesis, makes a significant contribution in the field of Social Work and Education specially to Parents, Teachers, School counselors and Adolescents. She speaks as a woman religious to the parents and teachers how they could contribute in building up the Self Esteem of today’s adolescents under their care. She also makes aware the teachers and parents how important it is to support children under their care and journey with the adolescents in their academics, extracurricular activities and in their adventures.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Chair person of Regional commission for Justice and Peace, spoke the mind of Pope Francis who shares the concern for the refugees and migrants and appealing the whole world to welcome, accept and treat them as brothers and sisters. He also appreciated Sr Shanthi Priya for editing the book on the frontier mission of the Bethany sisters on the occasion of the Centenary of the Congregation.
Sr Rose Celine, Superior General, in her felicitation recalled with gratitude the vision of the Founder, pioneers and the sisters which took Bethany to the margins bringing hope and new life to the marginalized. She commended the works of the sisters even beyond boundaries of the country. She felicitated profusely Sr Shanthi Priya and Sr Dr Jessy Maria for their commendable work of writing and compiling the daring efforts of the sisters.
The launching and felicitation program was compered by Sr Lilitta BS, General Councillor and Sr Judy Varghese BS, Provincial Councillor. Sr Mariette, General Councillor proposed the vote of thanks recognizing everyone who graced the occasion.
News by : Bethany Generalate, Bendur, Mangalore
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