24 June 2020 was an auspicious day in the history of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Mangalore and specially to Mangalore Province as Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior and her team Sr Roshel, Sr Anna Maria, Sr Shubha and Sr Lilly Pereira were installed at Bethany Provincialate Vamanjoor. The installation began with the Eucharistic Celebration at 6.45pm at St Raymond’s Convent Chapel officiated by Msgr Maxim Noronha the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese. It was the feast of the Birth of John the Baptist, the whole Province was throbbed with joy as Sr Rose Celine the Superior General of the Congregation officially installed Provincial Superior and her Councillors during an hour of Prayer held at 9.45pm. It was the moment to thank God for the service rendered by the leaders of the Province and ascertain our prayers to the newly appointed team. All were called upon by the Superior General to be a Cistern of God’s love, compassion, kindness and provide green pasture to the flock in our charge.
A programmme was held to felicitate the newly installed Provincial Superior and her team at 11.30 am. Sr Juliana Monis applauded the services of Sr Cicilia Mendonca and the team for their past 4 years service at the Provincialate and to the Province. Sr Gracy Monica felicitated the reappointed Provincial Superior and the team with bouquet of flowers, garlands and greeting song sung by sisters from St Raymond’s community. The cake was carved to mark the joyful occasion. Sr Rose Celine the Superior General greeted the new team and prayed God’s blessings upon them. She gratefully acknowledged the selfless services of past Provincial Superiors, Sr Virginia, Sr Inviolata, Sr Christella and Sr Mariette. Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior expressed her gratitude to the Superior General for her support, encouragement and guidance. She specially thanked Sr Mariola the outgoing councilor and Sr Lizzie the outgoing Procurator for their joyful services rendered for the past years. Sr Leena Pereira thanked all the participants. Sr Sadhana compeered the day’s felicitation programme. The fellowship meal was served on the occasion.
This historical event was witnessed by few of the sisters from nearby communities of the Province due to lock down. It was indeed a grace filled day!
Report by,
Sr Anna Maria
Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor