15th May 2021 will go down in the historyof Bethany,Senegal, West Africaas the closing of Bethany Centenary Year.Most Rev Andre GUEYE, Bishop of the diocese of Thiés officiated the thanksgivng Eucharist concelebrating with four priests of the diocese of Thies and Saint Louis.Sr Jeena, Superior of Thiesand Sr Ignatia,the superior of Saint-Louis, alongwith the members of both the communities and the parishioners were present on the occasion.
Sistersfrom both the communities, six of themcame together at Thies twodaysprior to the celebration. Due preparation was made with a day of prayer and recollection. Sr Prasad gave thought provoking reflections on the Centenary theme,‘Rooted in Christ to grow, flower andbear fruit’ reminiscing Founders’ wish and dream. As sisterspondered on the mightly deeds of Godfrom the moment of Bethany’sinception, gratitude welled up from our hearts, to our founder and pioneering sisters for the gift of Bethany,
The parishioners were enthusiastic to make this event a solemn one with a meaningful introduction, Word of God, and the Offertory dance. In hishomily bishop appreciated the presence and the mission of Bethany sisters in hisdiocese. Bishop called for aspecial contribution from the faithful for the completionof the convent building. It washeartening to see the generous response of the people offering cash and two tonnes of cementin kind.
After the communion,Sr Jeena, the Superior of Thies briefed the faithful about the Congregation. In conclusion Bethany anthem wassung as a thanksgiving hymn along with the choir, which uplifted the spirits of those present atthe Sunday gathering. Copies of the translation in French of the prayer for the Beatification of our Founder were distributed and prayed together.
Followed by the Mass, a mango sapling was blessed by the bishop and wasplanted by the sisters in the premises of the new community buildingto perpetuate the memory of the centenary celebration. It wasa thoughtful gesture of our care and love forearthourcommon home. Few invited guests joined us for the festal meal at our residence while the faithful were served snacks and juice.A specially designed key bunchwith the portrait of Founder, Map of Senegal and the picture of a Baobab tree was distributed to the guests as a centenary memento.
We are grateful to Sr Jeena, Superior of Thies, Sr Ignatia,Superior of Saint-Louis, for planning in advance,for organising the programme of the day and all the sisters for their collaboration inexecution of the same.Indeed it was a memorable day for all of us.The celebration has up liftedour spirit,strengthened our sense of belonging to Bethany, boosted our zeal for the mission and enthused us to promote vocations to Bethany in the new area for the continuation of our mission. May Bethany grow in number and merit togiveglory to God in the service of His people.
News by: Sr Anitha D’Souza and Sr Jenita Fernandes, Saint-Louis, Senegal
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