Mangalore: 12 Bethany Nuns Celebrate Golden Jubilee of Religious Life
Sr Celine Vas
Mangalore, Jan 14: "You are like the watchman who is faithful and watchful to guard the estate of his owner so are you 13 Jubilerians. You have been faithful to your vows of chastity, obedience and poverty which you promised to your God on your first profession day 50 years and 25 years ago," said Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who was the main celebrant for the thanksgiving Eucharist celebrated at the Bethany Provincial House, at Vamanjoor here on Monday Januar 14.
Twelve sisters of Mangalore province namely Sr M Alwyn, Sr M Angelica, Sr M Antonine, Sr M Camillus, Sr M Concetta, Sr M Florencia, Sr M Helen Mary, Sr M Leonisa, Sr M Milburge, Sr M Patrick, Sr M Raymond, Sr M Severine celebrated their golden jubilee of religious life and Sr M Lisa her silver jubilee.
Sr Mariette, the Provincial of Mangalore province hailing the contributions made by the jubilarians to the Society and congregation said, “God did not see you ability or disability but your availability to fulfill your role in the Kingdom of God. We appreciate your commitment and dedication for the past 50 and 25 years of vowed life. Your are precious to us and we thank you for your generous service to the society in different places to various people."
They were felicitated by the Provincial with mementos, while Sr Leonita and Sr Celine Vas enumerated in brief the success story of each jubilerian.
Fr Richard Vas, the brother of Sr M Concetta (one of the jubilerians) also greeted the jubilee sisters saying "Bethany sisters are known for their simplicity of life and cordiality. The only test for the religious is to have a place in the heart of the people."
Fr Richard Vas, Fr James D’Souza, Fr Ajith Menezes, Fr Rohith D’Costa and Fr Roshan Crasta were concelebrants.
After the Eucharistic celebration Sr Concetta thanked the Bishop and the guests.
Sr Christella, the assistant provincial welcomed the gathering, Sr Helen Mary responded on behalf of jubilerians their gratitude. Sr M Lisa proposed vote of thanks and Sr Rekha compered the programme.