Mangalore Diocese News

By Sr Lilly Pereira BS

Mangaluru, Nov 24 : The Golden Jubilee celebration of Sacred Heart Convent, Neerude near Kinnigoli was held on 24th November 2020. The day was celebrated with the Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration held at St Roque’s Church at 10.30am. Msgr Maxim L Noronha, the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese officiated the Eucharist along with the Parish Priest Rev Fr Assisi Rebello, Asst Parish Priest, Fr Arun Mendonca, and other Priests. In his homily Msgr Maxim Noronha highlighted the Charism and Spirituality of Bethany and appreciated the services of the Sisters in the Parish and in the society. He applauded the sisters for their committed services for the past 50 years in the field of education, Catholic instruction and Socio-Pastoral ministries. The liturgy was conducted by Bethany Sisters thanking the Lord for His faithfulness in Neerude Parish.

Thereafter, the felicitation programme was hosted at Church Mini Hall. The Parish Priest Rev Fr Assisi Rebello in his address congratulated and honoured the Pioneer member, Sr Helen Mary BS and other members of the community for their tireless services in the Parish community and emphasized the need to promote vocations to religious life. Msgr Maxim Noronha recalled his past memories which shaped his life through Bethany sisters. A special honour was given to Rev Fr Eugine Lobo SJ and his family for sheltering Bethany sisters at its inception at Neerude. The local vocations to Bethany, especially 14 sisters serving in the Mangalore Province were recognized on the occasion. Sr Shubha BS, the local Bethany vocation with gratitude honoured Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS, the Provincial Superior with a short citation. In her address she recalled with gratitude the sweet memories of compassionate love inscribed in the hearts of people by Bethany sisters.

Rev Sr Helen Mary BS, the Pioneer and all the sisters who served as Superiors were congratulated for their effective animation. Rev Sr Rose Celine BS, the Superior General of the Congregation and the President of the Programme was honoured by Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS, the Provincial Superior for her continual support, guidance and presence. In her Presidential address she appreciated the Parish Priests and the parishioners of Neerude for their faith-filled life which sowed the seed of vocations to Consecrated life, especially to Bethany Congregation. She gave a clarion call to be the face of Christ in today’s challenging world.

The day’s event was begun with a Prayer Dance. The programme was compeered by Sr M Cecilia DSouza. It was witnessed by the Vice-President Mr Felix Pinto, Secretary Mrs Monica and the parishioners of Neerude along with the Bethany sisters. The programme was concluded at 2.00pm.