5 June 2022
In God’s holy design the erection of the 20th community of Northern Province and 193rd community of the Congregation at Khatima, Bareilly diocese took place on the solemnity of the Feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. Khatima is one of the most important towns of Udham Singh Nagar district, in the Indian State of Uttarakhand and one of the most important business hubs of Kumaon region.
Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior of the Northern Province along with her councillors Sisters Helimathe Assistant Provincial Superior and Sr Helen D Costa the Provincial Councillor unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the convent. Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly Diocese graciously and prayerfully blessed the Convent building. Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was officiated by the bishop and concelebrated by Fr Nelson Serrao, the parish priest, Fr Marian, Fr John King Bharat, and Fr Ajay Lobo. Sr Natal Patil Superior designate, Sr Yvonne Mary, Sr Jospha Minj and Sr Severine Coutinho the members who said their joyful ‘yes’ to be labourers in the mission at Khatima were present on the occasion. Later in a special prayer hour led by Sr Helen D Costa, Sr Erasma the Provincial Superior read the Decree of Erection of the community and installed Sr Natal Patil as the Superior.
During the felicitation programme Bishop Ignatius D’Souza extended a warm welcome to the Bethany Sisters to the new mission. Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior felicitated the pioneering Superior and Principal Sr Natal Patil, and Sr Yvonne Mary, Sr Jospha Minj and Sr Severine Coutinho,the members. She thanked Most Rev Ignatius D’Souza, for giving an opportunity to the Sisters to take up pastoral apostolate in the parish and educational apostolate at St Xavier’s School and for all the arrangements made to make the stay of the sisters comfortable.
She expressed her thanks to Sr Rose Celine the Superior General and her Councillors. Sr Shanthi Priya the Assistant Superior General, Sr Mariette, Sr Santhosh Maria, and Sr Sandhya, Sr Violet D’Souza, the Procurator General in absentia for their contribution to materialize this project keeping in mind the spirit of the Servant of God Mgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, the Founder who had a dream to empower the poor through quality education.She complimented Fr Nelson the Parish Priest and the Manager of the School and Fr Bharat, the former Principal for their services in the past. Sr Helen DCosta the Provincial Councillor thanked Sr Erasma for her meticulous planning and execution. The programme was concluded with a sumptuous meal and a thanksgiving hymn.
News by: Sr Erasma BS,Provincial Superior, Northern Province
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