December 2020 at Bethany Provincialate Vamanjoor here. Twelve Golden and five Silver Jubilarians of the Province who kept their flame of consecrated life burning in the service of the Lord celebrated God’s faithful love and goodness. With lighted lamps the Jubilarians marched to the altar of God symbolizing their life spent in the service of God and humanity. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated at 11.30 am, by Rev Fr Melwyn D Souza OFM Cap, the Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Mangalore Diocese. In the homily he centered his thoughts on God’s call and faithfulness, His continuous revelation through different eventualities and circumstances we need to thank God as quoted in 1 Thes 5:16.
A short felicitation programme was organized to mark this occasion. Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior presided over the felicitation programme. Sr Roshel BS, the Asst Provincial Superior welcomed with great pride the golden hues and the silver blooms. The Golden Jubilarians namely Sr Bertina, Sr Carita, Sr Charles, Sr Claudina, Sr Evangelista, Sr Janice, Sr Joseph Mary, Sr Leandra, Sr Mazella, Sr Patrina, Sr Selma and Sr Zealot were congratulated and greeted by enumerating their valuable services and magnificent contributions made to the Church and society in the past fifty golden years. Sr Walburga serving in Europe Delegation and Sr Jude BS were fondly remembered with gratitude in absentia. Sr Angeline, who passed away a few days ago, was remembered in gratitude in a moment of silence.
The silver blooms Sr Anitha Lydia, Sr Jacintha, Sr Marissa Lucy, Sr Sagaya Selvie and Sr Veena Aranha were greeted with great delight and joy. The climax of the jubilation was the carving of the Jubilee cake. Sr Leena Pereira compered the Jubilee felicitation programme. Indeed it was a joyful celebration, meaningful and memorable. May their life of Consecration be a blessing and message to everyone.
Reported by: Sr Lilly Pereira BS