The 106th Foundation Day of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, popularly known as the Bethany Sisters, was celebrated with great joy and gratitude at St Sebastian Church, Loliem.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr Christovan Cardozo, SDB, Vice-Principal of Pope John XXIII High School. Fr Patrick Luis, SFX, Dean of the Canacona Deanery; Fr Rui Pereira, CSC, Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church, Loliem; Fr Wilfred Frank, Chaplain of Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, Xellin; along with other priests of the deanery, concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. The celebration was attended by religious sisters from the deanery, the teaching and non-teaching staff and students of St Sebastian’s High School, their parents and parishioners.
In her introductory address, Sr Jenifer Fernandes focused on the theme, “Abide in Me and Bear Abundant Fruit,” and expressed gratitude to God for the 106 years of the Bethany Congregation. She reflected on how the Congregation, which began as a small seed, has grown into a mighty tree, spreading its branches of love, service and education far and wide. She warmly welcomed all those present to the Eucharistic celebration and invited everyone to pray for the cause of beatification of the Servant of God, RFC Mascarenhas, the Founder of Bethany.
In his homily, Fr Christovan Cardozo reflected on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, under whose patronage the Bethany Sisters continue their mission of dedicated service. He highlighted God’s providential guidance and abundant blessings that have enabled the Congregation to grow and bear fruit over the past 106 years.
Reflecting on the theme, “Abide in Me and Bear Abundant Fruit,” he emphasised that genuine and lasting fruitfulness comes from remaining united with Jesus. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, the Bethany Sisters are able to pray, serve, reach out to others and offer their best because they remain rooted in Christ.
He also appreciated the valuable contribution of the Bethany Sisters to the parish and the surrounding villages, particularly through their dedicated service to the school community, its students and staff. Their life of prayer and ministry, he said, has become a powerful witness and an inspiring example, especially to the youth and to all those entrusted to their care.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Rui Pereira, Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church, expressed his appreciation for the presence and dedicated service of the Bethany Sisters in the parish and the wider community. He called upon the people to remain grateful for the selfless service rendered by the Sisters, particularly in the field of education. He acknowledged the significant contribution of the Sisters to the school and appreciated the remarkable growth and progress witnessed in the educational sphere since they took up their mission of service.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sr Letitia BS, Superior of Bethany Convent, Loliem.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, popularly known as the Bethany Sisters, was founded in Mangalore on July 16, 1921, by the late Msgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, with four members—Sr Martha, Sr Clare, Sr Lourdes and Sr Gertrude—to participate in the mission of the Church by responding to the prevailing needs of the times.
The Congregation was founded chiefly for the Catholic education of the rural poor, especially girls; the teaching of Catechism in parish communities and schools; the instruction of catechumens and neophytes; and the care of children, the sick and the elderly. The Sisters are also involved in pastoral, educational, social and medical apostolates according to the needs of the place.
What began with just four Sisters has now grown into a vibrant Congregation with 1,383 members serving in 178 convents across India, Europe and Africa, continuing their mission of faith, education, compassion and selfless service.
Sr Jenifer Fernandes
Bethany Convent,
Loliem, Goa
