The 54th Death Anniversary of Servant of God, Raymond FC Mascarenhas, the founding Parish Priest of St Sebastian`s Church, Bendur and the founder of the Bethany Sisters was commemorated with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at Bendur today. Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D`Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese, was the main celebrant at the Eucharist which was concelebrated by Rev Fr Antony Serrao, Vicar of Bendur and eight other priests.
The Bishop said Mgr Raymond was a great man, a man of faith and a holy man who had done a great deal for the Church in Mangalore, and for the society at large. He called upon the congregation to pray that Mgr Raymond may become one among the saints.
In his homily Rev. Fr Antony Serrao spoke about the virtues of Mary the Mother of Jesus. He pointed out Mary`s faith, her commitment and her attitude of praising God and glorifying Him at all times. “Like Mother Mary, Mgr Raymond lived a life of faith, total dedication to the causes he espoused (the cause of the Gospel, of the Church), and a spirit of prayer and praise,” he said.
The celebration of the Mass was followed by floral tribute to the Servant of God, Raymond FC Mascarenhas. Bishop Aloysius P. D`Souza and Sr Wilberta BS placed wreathes at the tomb of Mgr Raymond, which is located at the extended portion of the Church. A book titled Reminiscing in Tranquility: Sr Violette`s Memories of Mgr Raymond FC Mascarenhas compiled and edited by Sr Mary Naulak BS was released by Bishop Aloysius.
Mgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas was the founding Parish Priest of St Sebastian`s Church, Bendur. He came to Bendur in the year 1914. In 1921, he founded Bethany Congregation for the purpose of providing Christian education to the poorer classes, especially the girls. He took up the cause of the Gospel and served God and His Church with great zeal and dedication. He died on December 23rd 1960. The cause of his canonization was taken up in the year 2008, when the Church through the Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D`Souza recognized him as Servant of God- the first step towards canonization.
Every year the Bethany Sisters commemorate his death anniversary with great fervour. The 54th Death Anniversary celebration was attended by members of the Bethany Congregation from in and around Mangalore, students from Bethany`s schools in the city and suburbs, Religious and Laity of Bendur Parish, members of Bethany Lay Associates, members of Mgr Raymond`s family and well wishers.
