Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, July 15 : The Foundation Day of The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany was celebrated with great joy and reverence at St. Theresa's School. The Management, Staff and students gathered in a spirit of unity and festivity to commemorate this significant occasion.

The celebration began with a Eucharistic Service at St. Sebastian Church, Bendur, Mangalore, on 12th July, 2024. The Mass was offered in honour of The Servant of God, Msgr. RFC Mascarenhas, the esteemed Founder of the Bethany Congregation.

The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo, OFM, Vicar, Director of Assisi press, began his homily with a thought-provoking question: "Who aspires to enter heaven?"
Father encouraged the students to embody the values exemplified by R. F. C. Mascarenhas and urged them to follow these virtues. He highlighted St. Therese's teaching, asking the students to do small things with great love, emphasizing that even small actions can have a big impact if done with care and kindness.

Drawing from the gospel readings, he used the example of sheep and dove to illustrate the importance of gentleness, humility, and submissiveness towards the elders.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the entire school community invoked the Heavenly Father to soon raise Servant of God R.F. Mascarenhas to the honours of the altar and offered prayers for the Bethany Congregation.
The beautiful hymns and heartfelt intentions offered during the Mass deepened the spiritual connection with God. The Mass ended with words of gratitude.

The High School students celebrated Foundation Day with great enthusiasm.
Sr. Shubha BS, The Superior of the Mother House, was the Chief Guest, and Sr. Shaila, BS, the School Correspondent, added grace to the occasion with her presence.
Class X students conducted an assembly to commemorate the occasion under the able guidance of their teachers, they skillfully performed a dance drama titled "Rooted in Faith, Reaching out in Love," which illustrated the core values and vision of the Father Founder, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The students also paid tribute to the Bethany Sisters of the institution by offering flowers, recognizing their dedication and hard work for the Bethany congregation.

The Chief Guest, Sr. Shubha, Superior of the Mother House, expressed her admiration for the students' performances and praised their efforts in making the assembly significant. Referring to the Bible, Sr. Shubha narrated a parable about the house built on rock and sand, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation in all aspects of life.

The entire staff gathered in the main hall to express heartfelt gratitude to the Bethany Sisters of our school for their exceptional service to the institution and society. The sisters were honoured by offering a bouquet as a token of love and appreciation for their outstanding contributions to the Bethany Congregation.
Staff and sisters also joined in a fellowship meal to mark and celebrate this significant occasion together.

The Foundation Day celebration at St. Theresa's School was a grand and memorable event.