Pics: Albun Lewis, Bangalore
Daijiworld Media Network- Bangalore
Bangalore, Feb 7: Bethany congregation celebrated the golden death anniversary of its founder Msgr Raymond F C Mascarenhas, here at Jyothi School campus, recently.
He is the first diocesan priest of Mangalore who is declared the servant of God on June 3, 2008 by a decree from Rome, by Fr Aloysius Paul, bishop of Mangalore.Among his many achievements, one of the mile stones was the founding of the only indigenous order of nuns at Bendur, Mangalore under the name of ‘Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany’ commonly known as Bethany sisters on July 16, 1921.
Msgr Mascarenhas was born in the year 1875 at Shimoga. He spent his childhood days in Falnir, Milagres parish. He did his primary schooling at Milagres School.The celebration to commemorate the golden death anniversary was hoisted by the rovincial superior Sr Lilitta, her councillors and the sisters of Bangalore province.The celebration started with the holy mass at Jyothi School campus. Sr Simon welcomed the congregation. Bishop Emeritus of Chikmagalor, Fr John Baptist Sequeira celebrated the mass. He spelt out the reasons behind Msgr Mascarenhas starting congregation of Bethany sisters.
Fr Ignatius Kumar concelebrated the mass along with Fr Viswasam. Fr Kumar in his homily pointed out that Msgr Mascarenhas was a man of his time and he was saintly during his life time itself. Sr Lidwin and her troupe led the congregation in prayer with choir.
There was a cultural programme by the students at Jyothi School auditorium after the mass. Sr Lilitta, provincial superior welcomed the gathering.
Bishop Emeritus Sequeira released the portrayal of Fr Mascarenhas. Sr Misericorse released prayer picture of the founder.
Sr Refuge, Sr Dymphna and Sr Lilitta distributed the prizes for the winners of various competitions held earlier as part of the celebrations. James D’Souza, special guest of the programme, was present who had served as alter boy when with Fr Mascarenhas celebrated the mass. Sr Marian proposed the vote of thanks. Sr Georgina compered.