Bethany Convent, Khatima, Uttarakhand (05.06.2022)
When the sisters reached Bathinda on 8 January 1961 Shri Bhai Sher Jang Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, had made elaborate arrangements for the sistersu2019 stay at the Rest House. Without much delay, they swung into action and having enjoyed the hospitality of the Deputy Commissioner, on 11 January the sisters moved to a rented house at Civil Lines, Bathinda, which became the first Convent and School.u00a0 The present Convent and School at Bathinda was inaugurated on 12 January 1961 by the then Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, and blessed by Rt Rev John Burke, the Bishop of Simla. Mother Gemma was the first Superior and Principal.
In God’s holy design the erection of the community of Northern Province at Khatima, Bareilly diocese took place on the solemnity of the Feast of Pentecost. Khatima is one of the most important towns of Udham Singh Nagar district, in the Indian State of Uttarakhand and one of the most important business hubs of Kumaon region.
Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior of the Northern Province along with her councillors Sisters Helima the Assistant Provincial Superior and Sr Helen D Costa the Provincial Councillor unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the convent. Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly Diocese graciously and prayerfully blessed the Convent building. Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was officiated by the bishop and concelebrated by Fr Nelson Serrao, the parish priest, Fr Marian, Fr John King Bharat, and Fr Ajay Lobo. Sr Natal Patil Superior designate, Sr Yvonne Mary, Sr Jospha Minj and Sr Severine Coutinho the members who said their joyful ‘yes’ to be labourers in the mission at Khatima were present on the occasion. Later in a special prayer hour led by Sr Helen D Costa, Sr Erasma the Provincial Superior read the Decree of Erection of the community and installed Sr Natal Patil as the Superior.
She expressed her thanks to Sr Rose Celine the Superior General and her Councillors. for their contribution to materialize this project keeping in mind the spirit of the Servant of God Mgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, the Founder who had a dream to empower the poor through quality education. She complimented Fr Nelson the Parish Priest and the Manager of the School and Fr Bharat, the former Principal for their services in the past. Sr Helen D’Costa the Provincial Councillor thanked Sr Erasma for her meticulous planning and execution.
At present Sr Theresa Antony is the Superior and Principal and Srs Shalom and Severine are the members of the community.
