Inauguration and Celebration of Bethany Provincialate Building, Vamanjoor
By Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network
Mangaluru, 04 Dec 2023: On the auspicious eve of December 3rd, 2023, the unveiling ceremony of the new Provincialate Building at Vamanjoor resonated with divine significance. Commencing at 3:30 pm, the Eucharistic Celebration, officiated by Rt. Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, set the tone for a momentous occasion. In his homily, he emphasized the vigilant anticipation of the Messiah, heralding the advent of the Christmas season. It was concelebrated by 12 priests.
The pinnacle of the event was the inauguration of the architectural marvel by Rev Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore. The unveiling of the plaque was gracefully accomplished by Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior of Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor, under the benevolent blessings of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha. Sr Royline and Sr Shubha eloquently guided the Blessing Ceremony with poise and grace, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere. Following this divine consecration, participants were treated to a delightful session of fellowship with refreshments.
At 6:00 pm, the felicitation program commenced, graced by the presence of Sr Rose Celine, who, in her presidential address, urged the members to uphold the legacy of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, the visionary Founder. She applauded the relentless efforts of the skilled professionals involved in the construction process - from Engineers to interior designers - all acknowledged and honored during this momentous occasion. Fr James DSouza, the parish priest of St Joseph the Worker Church in Vamanjoor, and Father Kenneth Crasta, Assistant Director of St Joseph Engineering College in Vamanjoor, commended the sisters for their dedicated service in the pastoral mission of the Church and acknowledged their hospitality. Sr Flavia Wilma, the Province Procurator, Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior, and Sr Rose Celine were lauded for their unwavering commitment to the planning and execution of this architectural masterpiece.
The felicitation program, skillfully compered by Sr Roshel and Sr Lilly Pereira, enumerated a seamless flow of events. Novices from Rosa Mystica Novitiate captivated the audience with a welcome dance, infusing the evening with joy. The prayer song, led by Sr Lolita Pereira and her sisters, added a spiritual dimension to the gathering.
The culminating moments included a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Sr Anna Maria, while Sr Shanthi Flavia adeptly compered the entire program. The evening programme concluded at 7:30 pm, followed by a delicious fellowship meal that provided a fitting close to this remarkable celebration.