The Bethany Educational Society (BES) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on 12th October 2022 with a Eucharistic Celebration at 9am, at St Sebastian’s Church Bendur which was attended by a large number of Religious sisters, staff, students, parents and well-wishers. BES is an off shoot of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany.
The Bethany Educational Society which was registered on 4th September 1948 with 34 institutions under Madras and Bombay Presidencies has made great progress under the directions of its Founder Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas, Mother Petra the first President and subsequent Presidents, Secretaries and the members of the Council of management. Today, it shelters 140 formal schools and accommodates many non-formal education centres, spreading its branches in 26 States and in 53 dioceses of India.
The Inaugural celebration began with the Eucharist officiated by Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev Aloysius Paul Dsouza along with very Rev Mgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, Fr Vincent Monteiro Parish Priest, along with the concelebrants. Mgr Maxim Noronha in his homily appreciated the Bethany Educational Society and all its committed service in the field of education in imparting fullness of life to one and all. He stressed on the spirit of the beatitudes lived in and through the vision, goal and core values along with the priorities of BES for the betterment of the society. The liturgy was made meaningful by the melodious singing of the choir members of St Theresa School.
After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist all the members gathered around the tomb of the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas and paid homage to the Visionary of BES.
St Theresa’s School Band led the dignitaries Rev Sr Rose Celine the President of BES, Chief Guest Mr Sudhakar K., Guests of honour Mr J R Lobo former MLA of Mangalore South Constituency, Sr Jyoti and Sr Wilberta the former Presidents, Fr Vincent Monteiro the Parish Priest, Mr Naveen D’Souza the Corporator, Sr Sandhya the Secretary and all the special invitees to Bethany Pushpalaya campus for unfurling of the BES flag and 75 balloons were released to mark the joy of the celebration. Then followed the programme at Mgr Raymond hall by lighting the Diya by the dignitaries. The students of Sacred Hearts Higher Primary School invoked the blessings of God through a meaningful prayer dance and the students of Rosa Mystica High School Kinnikambla, Mangalore presented a traditional welcome to the august gathering.
The dignitaries were welcomed warmly with beautiful saplings during the stage programme.
The Platinum Jubilee logo was launched on this momentous day by the Chief Guest Mr Sudhakar K, DDPI and the Jubilee anthem was sung melodiously by the choir.
The Chief Guest in his speech appreciated the Commitment of BES in imparting education to all especially to the poor and Girl children according to the desire of RFC Mascarenhas.
The other significant event was the inauguration of the Bethany Platinum Jubilee fund which was inaugurated by 5 special invitees Professor Edmund Frank a well-wisher, Dr EVS Maben and Advocate Nikesh Shetty the alumni of BES, Mrs Sylvia Gretta, the teacher and Mrs Meena Shariff, the parent.
The journey of 75 years of BES was depicted through dance drama form showcasing the milestones, a spectacular performance by the students of St Theresa’s school.
The President Sr Rose Celine, in her address recalled the growth and contribution of BES under the guidance of the past Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Members of the Council of Management and the contribution and collaboration of Ecclesial Authorities and Educational departments. She said that the Platinum Jubilee of Bethany Educational Society is an occasion for all of us to make fresh efforts to set ablaze the flame lit by our Founder, being focused on the four priorities of the Platinum Jubilee year viz
1. Upholding justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
2. Promotion of Peace and Harmony
3. Caring for Mother Earth
4. Education for Excellence & Self Reliance.
and thus translate “Transformative Education for Fullness of Life towards human fraternity”, into a reality in the context of today.
In conclusion, she as the Superior General and President of Bethany Educational Society ® Mangalore, on this day, 12 October 2022 (AD) Common Era, solemnly declared the Platinum Jubilee year of Bethany Educational Society open. The assembly applauded her with a round of applause.
The programme came to an end with words of gratitude by Sr Mariette the General Councillor. A delicious meal was served to all. Thus, the celebration was a memorable one.
Sr Sandhya BS
Secretary, BES
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