Nov 8: The Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore Province organized a day together of the Hostellers of Bethany Educational Society (R) on 6th November at Sacred Hearts’ Hr Pry School auditorium, Kulshekar. Around 210 Hostellers were present to celebrate their day. The entire day was spent in learning, sharing, recreation and exhibiting their talents in a spirit of joy and delight.
The day commenced with a joyful note, as the young girls joined together from 6 different hostels and joined in sing song and ice breaking activities. Rev Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS, the Provincial Superior and Corporate Manager of Mangalore Province presided over the programme and gave a start for the day by lighting the diya and inaugurated the Hostel Day. In her message, she applauded the young hearts. She said that “Hostel life experience is wholesome and children get multiple learning opportunities, be it in academics or extra-curricular activities. In hostel, it is possible to give focused attention towards studies and to develop their talents and potentials. They get ample opportunities to excel and explore.
She congratulated the Warden sisters who fill for the children the place of a mother and prepare them to be industrious and useful members of the society.
Mrs Jacintha Pinto, the President of KORWA (Konkani Overseas Returnees Welfare Association) Mangalore, one of the chief guests appreciated the Bethany sisters for their selfless service in shaping the young lives of children in the hostel and for providing them a home away from home. Mrs Alice Lobo another guest of honour applauded the hostellers and called on them to focus on academic excellence and character formation. Both the guests of honour congratulated the organizers and confirmed their services to humanity specially education of the poor and the marginalised.
Mrs Sharmila Sanil, the Psycho therapist the day’s resource person, dealt on the different factors affecting integrated development of the children in the hostel. She said,” As children it is important to take responsibility for their study and behaviour.
The day’s programme was organized by BES Vamanjoor. The 75th Birthday of Mrs Mary Braggs was celebrated with great honour and delight as her family member - Mr Valerian Braggs had sponsored the afternoon meal and snacks.
In the afternoon, the students of different hostels presented colourful cultural programme with dance, songs, action songs and skits. Indeed it was a feast to the eyes. Different games were organized and winners were awarded with prizes. Indeed the day was full of fun and laughter.
The assembled congregation was grateful to God for the gift of these children who are to climb the ladder of learning and contribute their share in building a humane society. They thanked profusely the President of BES, Sr Rose Celine and the Corporate Manager Sr Cicilia Mendonca and the Bethany family.
Sr Mariola BS, the Province Coordinator for Education welcomed the gathering and Sr Jessy Leena BS, the Headmistress of Sacred Hearts’ Hr Primary School applauded the winners with prizes. Sr Anita Nathalia compered the programme. Truly it was a day spent in fulfillment of the dream of the Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas the Founder of Bethany, who taught the sisters to care for the hostellers and accompany them on their journey towards holistic growth, motivating them to self-confidence and self-esteem.
Sr Mariola BS
Province BES Coordinator for Education
Mangalore Province.
