Mangalore Diocese News

Report by : Sr Florine Jyothi BS

Mangaluru, Jan 21 : Province assembly of Mangalore Province of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Congregation was held on 19th and 20th of January 2024 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor, Mangalore with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope with a special reference to Prayer.’ In her keynote address Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS the Provincial Superior expounded the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 wherein Pope Francis urges Catholics to prepare for the Jubilee by spending time in studying the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and focusing on Prayer. Rev Fr Arun Luis SJ the Director of Ashirvad Bangalore in two sessions on the first day highlighted on Prayer and preparation for forthcoming General Elections of the Country. He enabled the group to understand 9 steps that help in Prayer, Purpose of Prayer and Stages in Prayer. Next day Ms Kripanjali Tellis Nayak from Attavar, Mangalore dealt with the topic of Gerontology. She highlighted the various issues of old age and care of the elderly.

On 21st January at 9.45am the felicitation programme for Silver and Golden Jubilarians was held in the Bethany Provincialate hall. Sr Shanthi Agnes the Silver Jubilarian and Sr Agnes Mary, Sr Deepika, Sr Lilly Ange, Sr Laetitiabeth, Sr Lillybeth and Sr Sharon the Golden jubilarians were honoured and greeted by the Provincial Superior and the Councillors along with Province Assembly members. Superiors and few members from the various communities were represented. Sisters from St Raymond’s community echoed the Jubilee chorus. Sr Loyan BS from Bethany Provincialate compeered the felicitation programme. It was followed by Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Rev Fr Wilfred Prakash DSouza the director of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor and concelebrated by Rev Fr Kenneth Crasta the Assistant Director. In his homily he highlighted the qualities of a true disciple. Being the Sunday of the Word of God, he expounded the importance of the Word of God in our day today life. He also appreciated the generous services of the Silver and Golden Jubilarians towards Bethany Congregation, Church and humanity through various apostolates. Sisters from St Raymond’s community assisted the Eucharist through a melodious choir and the members of the Province assembly conducted the meaningful liturgy on the occasion. It was culminated by a fellowship meal in St Raymond’s Convent refectory.