Bethany Convent, Pithoragarh (03.07.1993)
Pithoragarh, a small town surrounded by picturesque hills with their captivating scenic beauty, was chosen by God to be a home for Bethany. Situated at a height of 5,500 ft above the sea level in the Himalayan ranges, the hills present an enchanting sight for the travellers and tourists, reminding one, of the Glory of God.
Rt Rev Anthony Fernandes, Bishop of Bareilly Diocese, wanted some trusted partners in the educational and pastoral work in his diocese that was erected on 19 January 1989. His choice was Bethany Sisters and he approached Sr Agnella, the Superior General, who in turn directed Sr Wilberta, the Provincial Superior, to find out the possibilities of opening a convent at Pithoragarh. Sr Miriam and Sr Zelie, the Provincial Councillors, visited the lonely and difficult terrain of Pithoragarh, and were pleased with the feasibility of starting a mission there. At the completion of Sr Wilberta’s term as the Provincial Superior, Sr Miriam who succeeded her sent Sr Zeena and Sr Melvice to make the necessary arrangements for the new house.
On 1 July 1993, a big band of 12 Sisters left for Pithoragarh. They were: Sr Miriam, the Provincial Superior; Sr Innocentia, Sr Marie Therese and Sr Jane Chantal, the Councillors; Sr Justinian, Sr Joselita, Sr Luciana Abraham, Sr Veena, the pioneers; and Sr Maria Leena, Sr Delicia, Sr Zeena, and Sr Melvice. Fr Maurice D’Sa and Mr Lal Bahadur Khatri, former Principal of ITI, Pithoragarh accompanied them. They were warmly received at Pithoragarh by Fr Felix Lobo, the Parish Priest, Mr Chand, the contractor, and two teachers – Miss Margaret and Miss Helen.
On 3 July 1993 on the occasion of the inauguration of the Convent, Bishop Anthony Fernandes officiated at the Holy Eucharist concelebrated by Fr Felix Lobo and Fr Jerome Saldanha. The Bishop expressed his gratitude to the Superior General for planting Bethany in his diocese. Sr Joselita, Sr Eugene, Sr Lancia and Sr Naveen rendered medical service in the villages from 1993 onwards advocating the use of herbal medicines. However, the dispensary was closed down in 2005.
Fr Felix Lobo, the resident Priest had started a school with 70 students from LKG to Std I. The Sisters were entrusted with the responsibility of running the school. Sr Justinian was the first Principal of the school and Fr Felix Lobo, the first Manager. She with her dedicated service put a firm foundation for a value based education. It is now a Senior Secondary School. The strenuous efforts put in by Sr Elsie, the Principal, and Fr Justine, the Manager, in upgrading the school to Higher Secondary level and getting it affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, in the year 2009 must be placed on record.
Under the watchful care of the Sisters and the Managers, the school today has earned a great reputation in the district, with its remarkable progress and achievements. The people are full of admiration for the presence, committed life and hard work of the Sisters and Managers. Living with the hill people and experiencing their hospitality expands one’s consciousness of unique contribution of each community and diversity of cultures.
