Report by; Sr Preethi Prathima BS, Rosa Mystica Novitiate
Novices of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany Congregation, Mangalore celebrated their Day on 14th January 2022 at Rosa Mystica Novitiate, Kinnikambla, Mangalore, on the feast of Bl.Devasahayam Pillai, with the theme, “Pilgrim towards Kingdom of God”. Thanksgiving Eucharist was officiated by Fr Jomin MI thereafter Novices were greeted by the Superior in the morning. A cultural evening was organized in the novitiate at 6pm. It was presided over by Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province. Combination of dance and song was delight to the eyes; the highlight of the programme was the enactment of the life of Blessed Devasahaym Pillai. An Indian first lay martyr to be declared as Saint on May 15th, 2022 by Pope Francis, he was born into a Hindu family in the 18th century, embraced Christianity loved Christ ardently and was ready to give up his life for Him. At the age of forty he was shot dead by the king whom he was serving as the over seer of Palace affairs. His life is a challenge for all of us to live our life for Christ and even be prepared to die for Christ out of immense love for Him. The Provincial Superior felicitated the Novices and invited everyone to journey towards the Kingdom of God, remaining focused on Christ and considering everyone as our brothers and sisters.
The presence of Sr Lilly Pereira the Provincial Councillor, Sr Leera Maria the local Superior and Community Sisters, Tertians, Candidates, Fr Reginald OP, Camilian Fathers and Sisters, added joy to the occasion. Sr Shalet D Souza the Novice Directress welcomed the gathering, Sushmitha and Rosalia compeered the Programme, Premika and Arpitha thanked everyone.