Mangalore Marks Twin Jubilee of Servant of God Raymond Mascarenhas

MANGALORE, 28 February, 2025: The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany commemorated the 150th birth anniversary and 125th priestly ordination anniversary of Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur, on 28 February.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), led the Mass, joined by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha (Mangalore), Bishop Gerald Lobo (Udupi), Bishop Francis Serrao (Shimoga), Bishop Geevarghese Mar Makarios (Puttur) and Emeritus Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza.

A Life of Faith and Service

Bishop Saldanha, in his homily, praised Msgr Mascarenhas for his deep faith and dedication to evangelisation. “He became someone beautiful for God and added beauty to many lives,” he said, highlighting the priest’s efforts to translate the Gospels into the local language and compose hymns that continue to resonate in churches.

The Bethany Sisters, founded by Msgr. Mascarenhas in 1921, played a central role in organising the jubilee. Sr. Shanthi Priya B.S. welcomed the congregation, while Sr Sandhy B.S. delivered the vote of thanks.

Jubilee Initiatives for Mission and Education

A felicitation programme followed the Mass, presided over by Bishop Saldanha. Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Ferrão described Msgr Mascarenhas as a “true servant of God” and a model of synodal discipleship.

Marking the twin jubilee, the congregation announced a series of initiatives focused on mission and education:

• Support for seminarians at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore.

• Evangelisation efforts in Holalkere Mission, Shimoga Diocese.

• Planting and nurturing 5,000 saplings over three years.

• Training 100 Bethany Sisters and 100 laypersons in evangelisation.

• Vocational training for 100 rural girls as nursery teachers.

• Education for 60 violence-affected children in Manipur and 50 dropouts in Tanzania.

Honouring a Legacy

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha released the Jubilee Souvenir and offered his blessings, praising Msgr Mascarenhas' contributions and the Bethany Sisters' dedicated service. Mother General Sr. Rose Celine highlighted the congregation's growth under past leaders and ecclesial collaboration.

A Konkani translation of Unless the Seed Dies, a biography of Msgr. Mascarenhas by the late Dr. Violette B.S., was unveiled by Cardinal Ferrão. A documentary on his life was also screened, reflecting on his enduring influence on the Church in Mangalore and beyond.

The event concluded with cultural performances, including a choral piece by St. Theresa School and a prayer dance by students of Sacred Hearts High School, Kulshekar. The twin jubilee celebration honoured the lasting legacy of Msgr. Raymond Mascarenhas, highlighting his profound impact on faith, education, and evangelisation.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso, OCD