Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, March 1, 2025 : The historic Twin Jubilee Celebration, marking the 150th birth anniversary and the 125th priestly ordination of the Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, was held with grandeur and devotion at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, Mangalore on February 28. The event brought together clergy, religious congregations, dignitaries, and the faithful to pay homage to the esteemed founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany.

Solemn Eucharistic Celebration

The highlight of the celebrations was the Eucharistic Mass at 4:30 pm, presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, delivered a moving homily, reflecting on the legacy of Fr Mascarenhas, whose unwavering faith and pastoral dedication profoundly shaped the region.

Bishop Peter said, "Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas dedicated his life to making Christ known and loved, and this truly captures the essence of his mission. As a servant of God, he devoted himself to uplifting the poor and women, striving to educate and inspire them. His work continues to inspire us to carry on his mission. He accomplished all of this through the strength of the Eucharist and his deep love for Mother Mary. He was a pilgrim of hope, bringing hope into the lives of many."

Joining in the celebration were five Bishops:

Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo (Bishop of Udupi), Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao (Bishop of Shimoga), Most Rev. Dr Geevarghese Mar Makarios (Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Puttur), Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza (Bishop Emeritus, Mangalore), The Eucharistic service was attended by priests, religious sisters, family members of Fr Mascarenhas, Bethany Sisters, teaching staff, and Bethany Lay Associates.

After the Mass, the Cardinal, Bishops, Superior General Sr Rose Celine, the General Councillors, Provincial Superiors and other dignitaries offered prayers at the tomb of the Servant of God, seeking his intercession for his canonisation.

Felicitation Programme and Unveiling of Projects

The evening felicitation programme commenced at 6:15 pm with a solemn opening chorus and a vibrant welcome dance by students of Sacred Hearts High School. A short documentary, Saintly Son of the Soil, was screened, chronicling the inspiring life of Fr Mascarenhas.
Dignitaries on the dais included:

• Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha (Bishop of Mangalore)
• Sr Rose Celine BS (Superior General of Bethany Congregation)
• His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao
• Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Most Rev. Francis Serrao, and Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Makarios
• Fr Walter D’Souza (Parish Priest, St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur)
• Rev. Fr Cedrick Prakash and Mrs Cleta Fernandes Prabhu, the relatives of the Founder, Mrs. Molly Miranda, BLA member from Kulshekar, Mr Naveen, the Corporator, Miss. B.M Rohini, Mr SumukanandaJalavalli Superannuated Staff of BES and Mr Suresh Attavar and Sr Mariette BS the General Councillor and the convenor of Twin Jubilee programme were present.

A series of social and pastoral initiatives were inaugurated in honour of Fr Mascarenhas, each led by a distinguished Bishop and Province:

• Seminarian Formation Project at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, inaugurated by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and initiated by the Generalate
• Pastoral Care Initiative for the Diocese of Shimoga, inaugurated by Bishop Francis Serrao and launched by the Bangalore Province
• Green Revolution Initiative, aiming to plant 2,000 saplings, inaugurated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza and initiated by the Mangalore Province
• Training for 200 Special Evangelisers among Bethany Sisters and the laity, inaugurated by Bishop Geevarghese Mar Makarios and undertaken by the Southern and Western Provinces
• Nursery Teachers’ Training for Rural Girls, inaugurated by Fr Walter D’Souza and initiated by the Northern and Eastern Provinces
• Educational Support for 60 Riot-Affected Children in Manipur, inaugurated by Bishop Gerald Lobo and undertaken by the Guwahati and Silchar Provinces and Central Delegation
• Educational Assistance for 50 School Dropouts in Tanzania, inaugurated by Fr Cedrick Prakash and undertaken by the Delegation Abroad and Tanzania Delegation

Commemorative Releases and Address

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao unveiled the Konkani translation of “Unless the Seed Dies”, a book that highlights the life and spiritual journey of Fr Mascarenhas. In his address, he praised the Founder’s enduring contributions to both the Church and society, stating, "Fr Mascarenhas’ steadfast faith and commitment continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of our calling to serve with love and humility, and to become Pilgrims of Hope."

Cardinal Ferrao continued, “I see Mgr RFC Mascarenhas as a powerful example of Synodal discipleship and priestly ministry. He was indeed a Pilgrim of Hope. His life was a true gift to the Church and to humanity through education. His journey inspires all of us to live with courage, serve with love, and walk with faith. I pray with you that the legacy of Fr. Raymond will continue to shine through Bethany. I fervently pray with you that the Servant of God Raymond Mascarenhas may soon receive the honours of the altar. We need more saints from India, and hopefully, Mgr Raymond will be the next."

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha released a special souvenir marking the Twin Jubilee, delivering an address that acknowledged the profound impact of Fr Mascarenhas on faith formation, social upliftment, and education. He lauded the Bethany Sisters for their unwavering commitment to pastoral, educational, and healthcare ministries. In his address he highlighted how the Servant of God, Monsignor Raymond Mascarenhas, lived a life deeply rooted in faith, hope, and charity. He faced many struggles and challenges but always found strength in God and served others selflessly. "His life was a testament to unwavering trust in divine providence," the bishop noted.

Bishop Peter emphasised that Monsignor Mascarenhas exemplified virtues such as faith, charity, justice, and prudence, all nurtured through his devotion and service to the community. "True greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in a heart that loves and serves," he added.

Bishop Peter expressed hope that Monsignor Mascarenhas would eventually be recognised as a saint, reflecting the belief that "holiness is not reserved for a few, but is a calling for every person of faith."

Superior General Sr Rose Celine BS expressed gratitude for the Founder’s vision, praising the pioneering efforts of Bethany Sisters in spreading the Gospel and serving the marginalised. She remarked, "Fr Mascarenhas’ legacy is one of faith in action. His vision continues to inspire us to reach out with love and compassion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the mission of Christ.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr Lilly Pereira, Provincial of Mangalore Province, followed by a festive meal. Sr Juliet Shanthi & Mrs Gwencompared the event.

Sr Mariette BS served as the convenor of the Twin Jubilee celebrations, ensuring a seamless and memorable event. The celebrations not only honoured a remarkable servant of God but also reaffirmed the mission and values he instilled in the Church and the community.

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