It’s a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving to God Almighty for the marvellous and wonderful blessings that He has poured on Loretto Convent and all the members who lived in this community over the past 50 years as we kept up the day of celebration of our existence in Moodubelle. It was the far sightedness and thoughtfulness of late Rev. Fr Abundius D’Souza who invited the Bethany sisters in 1964. The then Superior General late Mother Macrina consented of his desire to open the convent to serve the poor through the ministry of teaching in the school, catechising people in the church and involving themselves in the pastoral activities of the church. Late Sr Emiline BS was appointed as the first superior and late Sr Hilda BS and Sr Fabiola BS were the members of the community. As the days passed by the need of more sisters was the need of the time. As the sisters started their mission they stayed in the rented house and after four years in 1968, a new convent building was erected where the present building is existing.
Its 50 years since sisters started their mission and to mark this great event we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Convent on 31st Jan 2015. The Episcopal Vicar for religious Rev Fr Roshan Menezes OFM Cap of Udupi Diocese celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass together with parish priest Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes and other 7 priests. In his homily the celebrant gave a thought provoking message by appreciating the zeal and foresightedness of the founder R.F.C Mascarenhas the Servant of God and he spoke well on Bethany’s mission and the service that the sisters render all over the world.
The felicitation programme was held immediately. The only living member among the pioneers Sr Fabiola BS was honored by the General Councillor Sr Assumpta BS the representative of Superior General. The superiors who served in the community for the past 50 years were also honoured. As we celebrated the golden jubilee of the convent we are privileged to have Sr Elnora as the golden jubilarian of this year who was also honoured by Sr Mariette BS the Provincial Superior. The parish Priests who served in the past and present were also honoured. Large number of parishioners participated in the celebration and joined in praising the Lord for the wonderful 50 years of service of Bethany Sisters.
Report by:
Sr M Lydia Mendonca BS
Loretto Convent
Moodubelle
