Bethany Convent, Nanthoor (4.10.2006)
The Sisters in the Northern States of India have very challenging situations as many of them serve the people in the interior villages. Good educational institutions with Christian atmosphere are not easily found in the rural areas. In many places adequate medical facilities are not available. Understanding the need of the Sisters and Candidates from these areas, a need was felt to have a convent that could accommodate our student Sisters and other candidates to pursue their education. Along with the convent a hostel for the young girls and working women from the economically backward families could also be provided which would give the inmates a low-cost boarding and lodging facilities.
Sr Jyoti, the Superior General with her Councillors took the initiative to spot a convenient location and consequently, a plot measuring 45 cents, situated in No 79, Padavu Village of Mangalore, was bought from Mrs Flora Pinto, the wife of late Bernard Pinto, on 15 September 2003 through Mr Rohan Monteiro. The Foundation Stone of the convent and hostel was laid by Sr Medela, the Procurator General, on 22 July 2005, the feast day of St Mary Magdeline. It was blessed by Fr Peter Noronha, the Parish Priest of St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur, Mangalore.
On the joyous occasion of the inauguration of the Bethany Convent and ‘Prabhat Tara Students’ Home’ on 4 October 2006 the surroundings wore a festive look with the presence of many Bethany Sisters and the guests. Sr Jyoti, the Superior General, along with Rt Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore, inaugurated the Convent and the Hostel buildings by unveiling the plaque. The presence of Sr Maria Leena, the Provincial Superior, added grace to the occasion. The Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by Bishop Aloysius, Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, Fr JB Crasta and Fr Onil D’Souza. The blessing of the house and the chapel was done by the Bishop during the Mass, making the event more solemn. Sr Jyoti canonically erected the new community by reading out the Decree. Sr Nynette was appointed the first Superior of the Convent.
The other pioneers were the student Sisters – Sr Jessy Maria, Sr Ranjana, Sr Vanitha Veena, Sr Leena Coutinho and Sr Jasmita Jyoti. The community was blessed with nine candidates who attended the Higher Secondary School at Paduva College. From 2006 2009 Sr Nynette and from 2009 onwards Sr Salerine were in charge of the candidates. Sr Jessy Maria assisted them.
The number of the community members and the candidates have steadily increased in the ensuing years. In the second year, a group of eight students came to avail of the hostel facility. Sr Mariebelle from Mangalore Province was the hostel warden from 2007-2009. Thereafter, Sr Brigida continued as the hostel warden. God’s blessings had already started coming down on the Sisters, helping them to fulfil the purpose of the mission.
The Sisters began to experience tangibly the numerous other blessings of the Lord. The very presence of the student candidates and the young Sisters charged the atmosphere of the campus with vibrancy, enthusiasm and liveliness. They are symbols of hope and new life. The candidates with their traditional musical instruments and their melodious voice make liturgy lively and meaningful. Placed in the city and given only a certain kind of apostolate, the pioneers – thanks be to God – did not have to undergo the deprivations and struggles that many of the Sisters do in the remote mission stations.Â
The daily Holy Mass and the other spiritual needs of the Sisters are met by the Capuchin Fathers of Bijai. Sisters also enjoyed a lot of support and goodwill of their immediate neighbours. The same goodwill is enjoyed even now under the leadership of the present Superior Sr Violet Pinto . The presence of a religious community in a Christian atmosphere, united with families around with a bond of love and communion, reminds of the early Christian Community. Christmas and Diwali are celebrated together both by the Sisters and the people of other faiths.
The other pioneers were the student Sisters – Sr Jessy Maria, Sr Ranjana, Sr Vanitha Veena, Sr Leena Coutinho and Sr Jasmita Jyoti. The community was blessed with nine candidates who attended the Higher Secondary School at Paduva College. From 2006 2009 Sr Nynette and from 2009 onwards Sr Salerine were in charge of the candidates. Sr Jessy Maria assisted them. Sisters’ presence in the Small Christian Community prayer meetings in wards has made a difference. They have brought the Catholic families together and their bond is strengthened. Prabhat Tara will be a firm anchor for the girls who want to pursue their higher studies and are looking for a safe accommodation facility.