INITIATION CEREMONY OF THE PRE-NOVICES
The initiation of the Inter-Province Pre-Novitiate Programme for the year 2019-20 was held at Nazareth Home, Bajpe, on 6th June 2019 at 9.30 am. The 8 Pre-Novices (Southern -02, Mangalore – 01, Bangalore – 02, Western Province – 03) arrived on 5th June to this formation house. They were welcomed by Sr. Dhanya George the Superior and directress, Sr. Lawrentia and Sr. Renita Clara the members of the Community.
“You did not choose me but I chose you.” This saying of Jesus was fulfilled in the life of 8 of our candidates as they willingly came forward to begin another year of formation. The ceremony commenced with the welcoming of the provincial superiors and the representatives, namely Sr Santhosh Maria, provincial superior of Southern Province, Sr Cecilia Mendonca, Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province, Sr Sahana Provincial Councillor of Bangalore Province, Sr Anna Maria provincial councillor of Mangalore Province, Sr Joyel, representing Western Province and Sr Marielyta from the community at Bajpe. After a brief introduction at the entrance the would be pre novices joyfully entered to Nazareth Home Bajpe, with unlit lamps in their hands singing the Bethany Anthem. After the opening prayer in the Chapel, the first reading from Genesis 12:1-9, was read by Sirisha Vennuri and the responsorial psalm chanted by Sushmitha D’souza, Sr Cecilia Mendonca read the Gospel Passage from Mathew 5: 13- 16, in her message Sr Cecilia invited the Pre novices to acquire the qualities of salt and light. Also like Abraham to be ready to go anywhere at any time and do anything that the Lord asks of them.
Then came the auspicious moment, with a brief introduction ,Sr. Santhosh Maria who is in charge of the Pre-Novitiate formation, officially called each Candidate by name, who in turn responded saying, “Hear I am” and initiated them to the Pre- Novitiate by lighting their lamps after which they surrendered themselves to the Lord by singing “ All to Jesus I surrender”.
All the sisters prayed for them and entrusted them to the care of Mary, Queen Mother of Bethany by singing the Magnificat at the Grotto. The entire Para-liturgical service evoked enthusiasm and joy in the Pre-Novices and the Sisters present for the occasion.
The gathering dispersed for tea break, and gathered in the class room at 10.45 am for felicitation programme. Sr Renita Clara the assistant Pre-novice directress put us all in a festive mood with her colourful words, and Sr Dhanya the Superior and the Pre novice directress warmly welcomed the gathering with Words and flowers.
The Pre-Novices introduced themselves as they were from different States and from four Provinces. Sr Santhosh Maria in her message called upon the pre novices to grow in holiness and to be persons who are integrated and mature, and all the Provincials greeted them with flowers.
In return they too raised their grateful hearts to God, to Sr Rose Celine our Superior General and all her Councillors, Provincials and their Councillors, past and the present formators and to the entire Bethany Congregation.By invoking Mary we concluded the meaningful ceremony
Sr. Dhanya George BS
Pre-novice Directress