Mangalore Diocese News

Report by Sr Roshel BS

Vamanjoor, Sep 2 : The culminating ceremony of Bethany Educational Society's Platinum Jubilee, orchestrated with grandeur, unfurled its splendor at the venerable St Raymond's campus in Mangaluru on the auspicious date of September 2nd, 2023. The convocation commenced with a resplendent thanksgiving Mass in the hallowed confines of St Raymond Convent chapel, graced by the esteemed presence of Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul DSouza. Joining in the sacred rites were Rev Fr James Dsouza, the Parish Priest, and Rev Fr Ivan Crasta, the Assistant Parish Priest of St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor.

In his eloquent homily, Bishop Aloysius Paul DSouza illuminated the laudable accomplishments of the Bethany Educational Society in the noble pursuit of educating underprivileged children, especially the girl child. He expounded upon the profound role of an educator, guiding and transforming students into responsible and conscientious citizens.

Subsequently, an august formal stage program unfolded within the hallowed halls of St Raymond's College Hall. Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Corporate Manager, presided over the ceremony. Her presidential address reverberated with admiration for the monumental strides taken by the visionary Founder RFC Mascarenhas of Bethany, and the 4 founding members in their unwavering dedication to providing quality education, even in the remotest rural corners. While education had been the vanguard since the Congregation's inception, the formal registration of BES transpired in the year 1948. The overarching theme for this momentous Platinum Jubilee year was "Transformative Education for fullness of life towards human fraternity”.

The Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore, Rev Msgr Maxim L Noronha, bestowed his blessings upon the august assembly and extolled BES as luminaries, enlightening the localities of our nation with the radiance of knowledge. Mr James Cutinho, the Block Education Officer of North Range, Mangalore, expressed profound appreciation for the collaborative efforts between BES and the educational department in Imparting value based education.

Ms. Mariamma Thomas, an alumna of Sacred Hearts High School, Kulshekar, former Corporator, and a distinguished lawyer, shared her personal journey and how her education within Bethany institutions profoundly influenced her life. Dr Sathish Kumar, a venerable senior faculty member in the Department of Commerce at MAHE – Manipal, expressed deep-seated gratitude, recounting the invaluable lessons in discipline and work ethics acquired during his formative years at Madeleine School, Mulki.

The illustrious history and core values of BES, intertwined with the overarching theme of the Platinum Jubilee and its four pivotal priorities, were elegantly portrayed through a attractive dance drama, executed by the talented students of Little Flower Higher Primary School, Bethany English Medium Higher Primary and High School, Panglai, Puttur. This captivating performance was meticulously penned and choreographed by the erudite Mr Balakrishna, a dedicated teacher at Little Flower School, Darbe, Puttur. The jubilant chorus resonated through the voices of the students from Sacred Heart’s High School, Kulshekar.

Bethany School, Mulki, was represented by its students who fervently invoked divine blessings upon the day's proceedings. A warm welcome was extended to the distinguished gathering through an enthralling welcome dance by the students of Maryvale Schools. The rhythmic and graceful steps of the students from St Raymond's High School expressed heartfelt gratitude. Sr Shubha, the Province Coordinator of Education, extended a gracious welcome to the esteemed President and chief guests. Mrs Sharmila and Mrs Reshma representing Jyothi Institutions Ajekar eloquently conveyed words of profound gratitude. The masterful compering of the day's program was skillfully done by Mrs Delcy Rodrigues, the assistant teacher from Little Flower Higher Primary School and Sr Jessy Preema of Holy Family High School, Bajpe.