Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 29: The inauguration of Bethany Heritage Park on Friday, June 28 on the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Bethany complex, Bendur commenced with the enthronement of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Mgr Maxim Noronha, the vicar general of the diocese of Mangaluru.

Sr Rose Celine, the superior general inaugurated the heritage park consisting of numerous items of spiritual and cultural values. She also unveiled the statue of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and Fr Vincent Monteiro, the parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur presented the scene of Jesus crucified on Calvary. Sr Wilberta, the former superior general, paid homage to the portrait of St Joseph centrally placed in the garden. Sabitha Misquith, the corporator, unveiled the image of the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas and paid her respect.

Msgr Maxim Noronha who conducted the blessing ritual appreciated Bethany Sisters for their unique contribution to the society by setting up this park. He encouraged the audience to be the bearers of love, peace and harmony which comes from a pure heart.

Sr Lillis, the assistant superior general and mastermind behind the park in her introductory speech said that the heritage park highlighted the vision, ideals and spirituality of the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas, the founder of Bethany Congregation and the former vicar general of the diocese of Mangaluru. She called upon the audience to recapture these values especially compassionate love that Mgr Raymond translated in his life.

A lovely terracotta art piece on Jesus and the disciples made by Shivanada from Kerala was inaugurated by Sr Shanti Priya, the general councilor. Sr Mariette, the general councilor unveiled the memorial to the deceased members of Bethany whereas Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the provincial of Mangaluru province exposed the sculpture of the Guardian Angel. The herbalgarden section was inaugurated by Sr Maria Roopa AC, the Superior of St Agnes Convent. Stephen Pinto, the vice president of Bendore parish and Mavis Rodrigues, the Secretary and Sr Virginia inaugurated the park, the fountain and the fishpond.

Children took delight in unveiling the portrait of Jesus with children and posed for a photograph. Simon, the ward leader exposed the portrait of the Holy Family at work conveying the redemptive value of work. Sr Lillita, the general councilor, Sr Christine BS, the procurator general performed the inauguration of the new gates.

The architect, the engineer, and the artist namely Sr Lillis BS, Noel Pinto and Ashwith Rasquinha, the proprietor of Simon and Co were honoured by the dignitaries. Sr Anitha Shanthi, the superior of Bethany Mother House and Sr Cleopha, the administrator, offered saplings to the notables.

The other attractions to the heritage park are Mgr Raymond Museum, Spiritual-Cultural Centre containing the First house of Bethany Congregation, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the renovated Chapel built by Mgr Raymond with religious painting, and an underground tunnel.

Sr Hilarita compered the programme.