A statue of Servant of God Raymond FC Mascarenhas was unveiled by Monsignor Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop Designate of Shimoga in the Bethany Generalate premises on Easter Sunday at 10.30 am. Present at the function were Rev Fr Anthony Serrao, Parish Priest of Bendore, his assistants Fr. John Baptist Moras and Fr. Paul Crasta, Rev. Sr. Wilberta BS, Superior General of Bethany, General Councillors Sr. Lillis BS, Sr. Assumpta BS, Sr. Canisia BS, a good number of Bethany Sisters, well wishers, neighbours and several children.
Speaking on this occasion the Bishop elect said the statue of Fr Raymond with children reveals his immense love for children, for whose welfare he dedicated his life and founded the Bethany Congregation. The Bishop designate had been given a formal reception by the Sisters prior to the unveiling ceremony.
Sr. Lillis BS, the Assistant Superior General welcomed the gathering and spoke about the significance of the statue. Rev. Sr. Wilberta paid homage to the Founder by garlanding his statue. Rev. Fr. Anthony Serrao, unveiled the plaque after which Sr. Theresine BS one of the children depicted in the statues read aloud the inscriptions on the plaque. The statue is modelled on a photograph taken on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Servant of God in the year 1950.
Raymond Park in which the statues are located was inaugurated by Master Ladson Lasrado son of Mr. Santosh Lasrado by planting a sapling. Mr. Santosh Lasrado the brain behind the park and the pedestal for the statues was honoured by the Superior General.
