Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 21: The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore Province, is preparing to celebrate its ruby jubilee through a series of renewal programmes being organised at six centres across the province. These programmes aim to provide the sisters with opportunities for spiritual renewal, reflection and a deeper commitment to their religious vocation.
Renowned Catholic charismatic preacher Fr Franklin D'Souza, diocesan youth director of the Diocese of Shimoga, served as the resource person for the renewal programme.
The third batch of the ruby jubilee renewal programme was held on October 20 at St Raymond Convent, Vamanjoor. A total of 90 Sisters from 18 convents participated in the programme.
The participating communities were Bethany provincialate; St Raymond Convent, Vamanjoor; Rosa Mystica Convent, Kinnikambla; Shanthi Rani Convent, Siddakatte; Mother of Mercy Convent, Kirem; Shanthi Kiran Convent, Humanabad; Queen of the Mission Convent, Sampaje; Bethany Convent, Badyar; Bethel Convent, Permannur; Nazareth Convent, Bajpe; Regina Caeli Convent, Ranipura; Pompei Convent, Kowdur; Bethany Convent, Kollangana; Lisieux Convent, Puttur; Visitation Convent, Kadaba; Maryvel Convent, Kinnigoly; Lourdes Convent, Kanajar; St. Paul's Convent, Balkunje; and Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar.
The day began with a prayer service, followed by a warm welcome address by Sr Shanti Agnes BS. She welcomed Fr Franklin D'Souza and all the participating sisters and expressed her joy at hosting the renewal programme. Sr Cecilia Mendonca BS, former provincial superior introduced Fr Franklin D'Souza.
The first session commenced with Fr Franklin reflecting on the theme ‘Crisis in religious life and rediscovering Jesus through scripture.’ Drawing inspiration from Luke 5:1–11, he invited the sisters to examine the challenges confronting religious life today and encouraged them to rediscover the person of Jesus through a deeper encounter with the Word of God.
The Holy Eucharist, celebrated was another significant moment of grace and reflection. In his homily, Fr. Franklin spoke about the ‘15 diseases of the community,’ referring to Pope Francis' 2014 Christmas address to the Roman Curia. He encouraged the sisters to undertake an honest examination of their lives, overcome attitudes that weaken community life and remain faithful to the call and mission entrusted to them by God.
Following the lunch break, the afternoon session began. Fr Franklin led the sisters in a reflection on ‘Forgiveness and the Eucharist,’ based on Matthew 18:21–35 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. He highlighted forgiveness, reconciliation and worthy participation in the Eucharist as essential elements of authentic Christian and religious life.
The programme reached its spiritual culmination with a Healing and Anointing Adoration. In an atmosphere of prayer and surrender, the sisters were invited to place their personal struggles, wounds and concerns before the Lord and open their hearts to His healing presence. Sr Vidya Pinto BS proposed vote of thanks.
The renewal programme concluded with a profound experience of prayer and spiritual rejuvenation. The day offered the sisters an opportunity to renew their relationship with Jesus, deepen their spiritual commitment and rediscover the joy and meaning of their vocation as consecrated women.
As the Bethany Sisters journey towards their ruby jubilee, these renewal programmes serve as meaningful opportunities to look back with gratitude, live the present with renewed faith and move forward with hope, embracing their mission with greater love, dedication and commitment.