The culminating ceremony of the Bethany Educational Society's Platinum Jubilee, orchestrated with grandeur, unfurled its splendour at Bethany Educational Society Mangalore on Monday 18 September 2023.
The Thanksgiving Mass at 3.30pm at Sebastian Church, Bendur, Mangalore, was presided by Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, and concelebrated by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev Dr Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, and Most Rev Dr Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh. Many priests of the Diocese, religious priests, alumni priests, religious, parents, staff, students and well-wishers of BES participated in the Eucharist.
In his eloquent homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, illuminated the laudable accomplishments of the Bethany Educational Society in the noble pursuit of educating underprivileged children, especially the girl child. He expounded upon the profound role of an educator, guiding and transforming students into responsible and conscientious citizens. He also applauded the Bethany congregation for their collaborative spirit in the parishes of the Diocese of Mangalore for being agents of value-based education, social transformation through their teaching of catechism, pastoral services and social action.
Thereafter, floral tributes were paid to the Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas at his tomb by the Bishops, Sr Rose Celine the Superior General and the President of BES and the representatives among the staff and students.
Subsequently at 5.30pm, an august formal stage program unfolded within the hallowed St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendur, Mangalore. Rev Sr Rose Celine BS the President of Bethany Educational Society presided over the function. Her presidential address reverberated with admiration for the monumental strides taken by the visionary Founder RFC Mascarenhas of Bethany, and the 4 founding members in their unwavering dedication to provide quality education, even in the remotest rural corners. She emphasized on the contributions of BES which has left its indelible mark on the diverse landscape of India spreading from the northern regions of Punjab and Haryana to the shores of Kanyakumari in the south, spanning from the north-eastern corners to the expansive west, transforming thousands of young hearts and minds through education. BES with its clear vision and a goal – ‘Transformative Education for Fullness of Life for all, especially the poor and girl children’, as in Gospel of John 10:10. Focusing on the three BES conventions, she said, ‘it has paved the way for a unique methodology, infusing the vision and core values into the very fabric of their educational pedagogy to promote multiple intelligences. The introduction of human rights and teaching of the Preamble of Indian Constitutions in all the BES schools has prepared a generation for peace, harmony and communal solidarity. A litany of gratitude was expressed to all the past and present Council of Management for their yeoman services for BES
The chief guest of the function, Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee Education Project. One of the special features of Platinum Jubilee was to support 75 young poor rural girls from different provinces all over India. He congratulated the Bethany Congregation and the BES for their collaborative ministries and specially implanting the love of the Gospel among the children in their educational ministries
Mrs Alka Bhutani, a proud Alumna of St Theresa’s Hr Secondary School, Karnal- a unit of Bethany Educational Society, represented all the alumni of BES on the stage. With the sentiments of gratitude, she said BES has transformed her life.
The Platinum Jubilee Souvenir was released by the Honourable Mr. U T Khader – Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Addressing the gathering he said “The Christian community has contributed a lot to the unity, fraternity and integral growth of the nation and the society. The education and noble values received in Catholic educational institutions have become a source of strength and instilled confidence in him. A proper education sets people up to grow personally, professionally, and socially.
Speaking on the role of educators, Honourable Mr Vedavyas Kamath – Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Mangalore City, South Constituency said ‘Deep down, every good teacher knows the impact and importance of education. It is not just about learning reading, writing and arithmetic at school. Instead, it is about gaining the knowledge and the skills needed to become a better person and create a better society to live in.
The guests of honour on the stage included Rev Fr Vincent Monteiro – Parish priest of Bendur, Most Rev Dr Ignatius Mascarenhas– Bishop of Shimla-Chandigarh, Most Rev Dr Ignatius D’Souza – Bishop of Bareilly, Sr Linette AC-Representing Asst Superior General Apostolic Carmel, Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ Rector St Aloysius College, Mangalore.
The priorities of BES Platinum Jubilee were depicted through a colourful programme by the students of BES schools. The four priorities of the Platinum Jubilee year viz ‘upholding justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, promotion of peace and harmony, caring for mother earth and education for excellence & self-reliance were showcased by the students.
Sr Sandhya BS the Secretary of BES welcomed the gathering and acknowledged their association with Bethany and BES. Sr Philomen Saldanha BS the member of the Council of Management proposed vote of thanks. Mrs Jasmine Moreira, Teacher, St Theresa School, Bendur, Mangalore and Mrs Reena Saldanha, Teacher, St Joseph School Kankanady, Mangalore compered the programme. With a fellowship meal the programme came to an end. Definitely, it was a memorable event to all. Virtual livestreaming of the event enabled thousands of students, alumni and BES associates to participate in the Platinum Jubilee.
Sr Sandhya BS, Secretary
Bethany Educational Society, Bendur
