News by By Sr Lisa B S

Mangalore, Nov 27:  Mangalore Province of Bethany Congregation fondly remembered their founder, Raymond F C Mascarenhas on his 50th Death Anniversary at St Raymond’s High School auditorium, recently.

At 10.30 am the milestones of the life of Monsignor R F Mascarenhas and the history of Bethany Congregation was projected on the screen followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration. 

Fr William Gonsalves, the former Vicar for Religious was the main celebrant along with Fr Joseph Cardoza, the parish priest of St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor.  The entrance procession was led by 50 religious sisters of the city province who carried the lighted lamps towards the altar symbolizing 50 years of their founder’s home going.  ‘He lit the lamp let us keep it burning’ was the theme of the entire celebration.

Fr William Gonsalves, the main celebrant enumerated the qualities of the founder as a true man of God, who centered his life around the Eucharist. Captivated by the love of God he desired to make known the compassionate love of the father to the poor and marginalized through the congregation he founded.

He is a man who lived the Gospel values authentically, understood the values of sufferings and lived the cross of Christ with a heroic attitude.  Bethany was the flower that bloomed out of his Eucharistic love. He recalled and reminded the sisters of the invitation of their founder to be bachelors in sanctity. Sr Celine Vas, the principal of St Raymond’s Degree College Vamanjoor expressed words of gratitude for the main celebrant and all those who solemnized the days celebration.

After the mass a short cultural programme was organized. Sr Mariette, the provincial superior of Mangalore Province presided Sr Canisia, the general councillor was the chief guest. Fr William Gonsalves, Fr Joseph Cardoza and Gilbert Miranda who translated the book ‘Compassionate pastor’ into Konkani were the other guests of honor.

The novices of Rosa Mystica Novitiate invoked the blessings of God and the students of St Raymond’s High school displayed a colourful welcome dance on Fr Founder. Sr Christella, the assistant provincial superior welcomed the dignitaries and introduced them to the audience.

Fr Joseph Cardoza offered floral tribute to our founder. In his message he stressed the contribution of R FC Mascarenhas in the field of education and upliftment of the poor masses of the society. He said that the founder was an instrument of God to make known his good news to the world through the congregation he founded. The noble work started by him continues to bear fruit in abundance through his spiritual daughters.

He invited everyone to take inspiration from his life and live a life that pleases God. Sr Canisia, the general councillor inaugurated the calendar on founder prepared by Sr Jessy Rita and Sr Sagaya Sylvi  which consists of the important  sketches of Bethany and its founder. She proclaimed the Founder as a man who was filled with the love of God and neighbour and the Diocese of Mangalore is honored through him.

Gilbert Miranda who translated the book ‘Compassionate Pastor’ was introduced by Sr Roselyta the Provincial Coucillor and was honoured by Sr Mariette the Provincial Superior. Sr Roselyta also recalled with gratitude the contribution of Fr Valerian Fernandes, the parish priest of Sastan who wrote the first Konkani book on Fr Founder and also translated the two volumes of Compassionate Pastor in Konkani.

Gilbert Miranda in his address recalled Fr Mascarenhas as a man of faith, a man ahead of times and one who was resigned to sufferings, a man who dared to venture trusting totally in the providence of God.

Sr Mariette in her presidential address highlighted the saintly personality of Founder with profound sentiments of love, reverence and gratitude. She said that though he has climbed the steps of eternity he continues to gaze on his daughters and the people he loved and cared.  She spoke with all boldness and courage and said that Bethany has grown as a mighty tree with God’s grace overcoming its initial sufferings and problems. It will continue to bear fruit in season and out of season, today and always now and forever.

Sr Sharon the Provincial Councillor thanked everyone at the end of the days celebration. The meaningful and memorable celebration came to an end with the fellowship meal. The celebration was witnessed by a large number of religious, Bethany lay associates, parishioners, well wishers and friends.