The Bethany Congregation observed the 61st death Anniversary of the Servant of God Mgr. Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas on 23 December 2021 with a Eucharistic Celebration at St Sebastian’s Church Bendur which was attended by a large number of devotees. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu officiated the Eucharist with Fr Vincent Monteiro, Parish Priest Bendur and other priests as concelebrants. Later in the afternoon a huge crowd gathered for the inauguration and blessing of the Redesigned Mgr. Raymond Memorial at the Bethany Generalate Campus.
The Redesigned Memorial was inaugurated and blessed by Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Sr Rose Celine, the Bethany Superior General, unveiled the plaque.The Redesigned Memorial is a pictorial representation of ministries of SD Raymond.
Prior to the Inauguration Prof. Edmund Frank, a renowned researcher on the life of SD Raymond highlighted some of the special features of the Redesigned Memorial in the context of the many pathbreaking initiatives of SD Raymond
The Redesigned Memorial speaks volumes of the spiritual mission of the Servant of God depicted vividly through the keen eye of the artist bringing to light many works and a life of fulfillment of SD Raymond.The photographic presentation included the family of The Servant of God, the Institutions that were founded by him and the churches he built.
The brain and the conceptual architect of the redesigned memorial was Sr Lillis the Assistant Superior General of the Bethany Congregation who meticulously planned and ensured its timely execution along with a dedicated team that included Mr. Ashwath Rasquinha, Proprietor of Simon Art Co, Lawrence Pinto, Proprietor of Impasto Art Studio, Mr. Santhosh Lasarado, Proprietor of Lardson Systems and Mr. Stanley Bantwal, Proprietor of Anvita Photography were later felicitated.
The programme began with an excellent song and dance drama presented by the students of St Theresa’s School heralding the birth of Christ in melodious voices setting the right tone to a significant event
Sr Mariette, General Councilor and Secretary of the Bethany Congregation welcomed the guests and the special invitees for the occasion.The memorial was initially inaugurated in 1996 on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Bethany Congregation.Ever since, crowds of pilgrims have been visiting it to draw inspiration from the life and message of SD Raymond .Sr Rose Celine the Superior General of the Bethany Congregation expressed her love and gratitude in her address on the occasion.
In his message, The Bishop of Mangalore Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha gave an apt message on the occasion. He said that the tremendous impressions left by Mgr. Raymond Francis can never be erased. The Redesigned Memorial will surely have a great impact on the lives of many. The written word and icons reflect the Word of God and Mgr. Raymond loved the word of God so immensely that he translated the word of God into Konkani and loved Bethany. Bethany is ‘the Jewel in the crown' of the Servant of God.
The Redesigned Memorial of the Life and times of SD Raymond will be a reminder of his work, struggles, and spirituality.
The programme was compered by Mrs. Gwen Rodrigues.
News by: Mrs Sela Saldanha,Asst. Teacher, St Theresa's School, Bendur
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