“Bethany Champion’s day” was celebrated by Bethany Educational Society, Mangalore Province on 9th December 2017, one day prior to the celebration of Human Rights Day. The event was celebrated in two places simultaneously with the similar theme and input. 449 Bethany champions from Std 7th, High School, PU and Degree College joined together at St Raymond’s College and Maryvale High School Auditorium, Kinnigoli. ‘Empower young minds towards leadership” was the theme of the day. East or west; Bethany Champions are the best’ was the slogan captured the attention of every passer-by. ‘Bethany champions’ was initiated by BES in the year 2012, in preparation for its centenary in 2021 with an objective of preparing Christian leaders on the wings of excellence. Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS the Provincial Superior Corporate Manager/ of Mangalore Province inaugurated the Bethany champions day at St Raymond’s, while Sr Mariola BS the Provincial Councillor and Province coordinator for education, inaugurated the same at Maryvale Kinnigoli at 9.30am. Sr Shalet D Souza BS, the Asst. Novice Directress, Dr Sr Sahana BS, the Directress of Rosa Mystica Tertiate, Sr Mariola BS and Fr Clifford Pinto, Asst. Parish Priest of St Jude Church Pakshikere were the Resource persons. They shared the Input session on the following themes namely – Goal, objectives and mandate of Bethany Champions, Developing Spiritual energy/vibrating positive energy for an effective living and responsible teens/Youth for a better tomorrow. The speakers through various activities, documentaries and games brought home to the Champions, the need to widen the vision, to have passion to actualise the vision and courage to make a difference in life. They were enlightened to follow the example of Jesus the great leader, who showed the way of leadership through faith and service. It was said that ‘Champions are made when potentials are converted into performance. The Bethany champions have a long way to go and make special efforts to excel high on wings of excellence in the days to come. Indeed the day was very inspiring as the Champions were full of enthusiasm to learn and imbibe the spirit of the Gospel in an innovative way. They expressed great appreciation for Bethany paying a new way in the society to be a leaven in the dough. Sr Lydia Pinto BS and Sr Jesinta Crasta BS anchored the programme at St Raymond’s and Maryvale, Kinnigoli respectively. The Coordinators of Bethany champions of respective schools of BES initiated the process in 2012 and keep alive the flame of love in the students and others throughout the year. They participated in the event with great generosity. Indeed the day ended with gratitude and joy inviting many more others to join this movement of making Christian leaders for a better and humane society.
Reported by Sr Jessy Leena BS