2021-22
Sr M Reema BS
Superior
2018-
Superior - Sr M Cecilia DSouza
Bethany Convent, Hebbal
Sr Regina DSouza BS - Superior
A brief history, Inauguration and Blessing of Bethany Convent Hebbal (K) Yadgiri District on 15.07.2017
The 32nd community of Mangalore Province was erected on 15.07.2017 at Hebbal (K) in Yadgiri District. Hebbal (K) is a small village in Shorapur Taluk in Yadgir District of Karnataka State. It comes under Hebbal (K) Panchayath. It belongs to Gulbarga Diocese. It is located 70 KM towards west from District headquarters Yadgir and 473 KM from State capital Bangalore.
In the year 2015 Most Rev Dr Robert M Miranda the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese had invited Bethany sisters to cater to the needs of the poor and the marginalized through education. Accordingly Sr Edmund and Sr Prema Gonsalves were sent to undertake educational apostolate. Having the lived experience of mission in Bidar for many years they volunteered to serve the poor. They lived in a small school building enduring gladly the inconveniences of life. Deprived of basic necessities they were totally launched into the mission. Sr Prema went to the villages to assist the students as they boarded the vehicle and Sr Edmund efficiently managedSt Alphonsa Primary school. As the strength was increasing in the school the need was felt to put up a new school building as well as a convent for the sisters to stay. Since there was shortage of funds a building with a spacious chapel and two rooms is constructed. The Inauguration and Blessing of Bethany Convent was held on 15.07.2017 to mark the 96th Birthday of Bethany.
Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior and Sr Roshel the Asst Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province together with Sr Precilla Furtado (Superior), Sr Bertina and Sr Namitha Augustine from Bethany Seva Ashram Jalasanghi, Sr Zeena Menezes and Sr Florine Jyothi from Shanthi Kiran Humnabad arrived on the eve of 14th July 2017 to Hebbal (K) for the inauguration of the new building. Sr Vitalis who served for a month in Hebbal (K) too came. The sisters and the parish priest of Surpur, Rev Fr Stephen together with Rev Fr Cyril Lasrado former Manager of St Alphonsa Primary school offered warm welcome. Eleven Bethany Sisters were present on the eve of inauguration.
Rev Dr Robert M Miranda the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese along with Fr Vincent Pereira, Secretary GDES, priests and sisters of neighboring villages arrived Hebbal (K) at 10am on 15th July 2017. A large number of people and all the students and staff of St Alphonsa Primary school gathered together at 10.15am. They welcomed the dignitaries of the day Rev Dr Robert M Miranda the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese and Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province and guests of honor with Aarathi and garland.
Then the entire gathering moved towards the newly constructed building Bethany Convent, Hebbal (K). Sr Amala briefed about the origins of Bethany and said that ‘we are glad to inaugurate a new convent which will be numbered as the 181 community of the Congregation of the sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany’.Provincial Superior unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the new convent followed by Eucharistic celebration and the blessing by the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese. Eleven priests of the diocese were present for the celebration. Quoting the day’s reading Bishop exhorted to have strong faith in Jesus and to experience His shepherding care day by day. He blessed the house, crucifix, altar and the tabernacle. Provincial Superior read the decree of the Superior General which said Sr M Regina BS – Superior, Sr M Edmund BS & Sr M Amala BS are the members. They were congratulated by all and wished well in the new place.
Immediately after the Eucharistic celebration the new school building St Alphonsa Primary school was inaugurated. A short stage program was put up to honour the dignitaries. At the end refreshment was served for the people and meals to the religious priests and sisters. Thus the long cherished dream of having a community was realized and gratefully spent time in thanking God for the gift of Bethany.
Address :
Sister Superior
Bethany Convent
Hebbal (k)
Shorapur Tq, Yadgir Dist
585 215