A Symposium on “Servant of God Raymond .F. C. Mascarenhasand his contribution towards the Transformation of the Society” was held on 23rd January 2015 on his 140th Birth Anniversary at Bethany Convent High School, Sao Jose De Areal, Salcete Goa, presided by Rev. Sr. Shanthi Priya the Provincial Superior and the Corporate Manager of Western Province and Sr. Pierine the Councilor and Education co-ordinator of Western Province.
The guests along with the speakers were given a warm welcome with the school band and aarthi. The programme began with the opening chorus “Bethanychea Sthapaka”. Mr. Carmo Rodrigues the Art Teacher of Bethany Convent High School prepared the backdrop depicting the charism and spirituality of Bethany Congregation and also beautifully carved out the bust of our Founder in thermocole .The bust of Fr. Founder was garlanded by Rev. Sr. Shanthi Priya after lighting the diyaa. A short enactment on Founder’s life and a song composed by the ex- Students in collaboration with the teachers “ Father Founder Amchea Mogacho”.
Mrs. Esperanca Sequeira -Teacher of Bethany Convent High School was the Moderator of the Symposium.
The following speakers dealt on the five aspects of our Founder
1. Mr. Shekhar Gauns Dessai -Teacher of Bethany Convent High School- the Birth , Childhood and Priesthood of Founder
2. Sr. M. Josefina Fernandes- Superior, of St. Mary’s Convent, Quepem -Founder’s Pastoral Ministry.
3. Mrs. Kalpita Naik -Teacher of St. Sebastian School Loliem –Founder’s Vision and Dream- The Founding of Bethany Congregation.
4. Mrs. Elizabeth Godinho -Teacher of Bethany Convent High School - His Contribution’s towards Education, specially the girl child and the Empowerment of Women.
5. Mrs. Julieta Costa -Teacher of Bethany Convent High School- Virtues of our Founder & His sayings.
All the above speakers along with the moderator and Mr. Carmo, the Art teacher were honoured with a shawl and memento by the President of the function.
On this joyous occasion prizes were awarded to the following students from Bethany Convent, Sao Jose De Areal and St. Sebastian, Loliem being the winners of the poster/ essay competition held in honour of Father Founder at the Province and National level.
The function was attended by more than 1,500 people on this grand, auspicious and memorable occasion .The programme ended with the Bethany Anthem.
The entire symposium was organized under the leadership of Sr. Dr. Tresilla Pinto the Headmistress and under the guidance of Sr. Esuria the Manager of Bethany Convent High School.
Hats off to Bethany! Long Live Bethany! May our Founder soon be raised to the honours of the altar.
Sr. Dr. Tressilla Pinto B.S. Headmistress Bethany Convent H/S- Salcete Goa
