News

Report by, Sr Ranjitha BS , Mother of Mercy Convent, Gadenahalli

22 December 2024 was a significant day in the annals of Mother of Mercy Convent, Gadenahalli, Hassan District, as it marks its Platinum Jubilee, coinciding with the Twin Jubilee, 150th Birth Anniversary and 125th Ordination Anniversary of our revered Founder Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas. The celebration commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev Bishop T Anthony Swami of Chikmagalur Diocese, at St Ignatius Church Gadenahalli. The event saw a large gathering of parishioners, priests, members of the community, sisters from neighbouring communities and those who had rendered service during the past years in various capacities. Fr Vinay Kumar delivered an inspiring homily, urging the sisters to follow the path of the Lord with love and compassion for humanity. He called upon the sisters to walk as pilgrims of hope, renewing their spiritual fervour, revitalizing the congregation’s spirit and reigniting pastoral zeal of the Founder in accordance with Pope Francis’s teachings.

The celebration was further graced by the presence of the several diocesan clergy, including Fr Charles Periera, Chancellor of the Diocese, Fr. Shanthraj a senior priest of the parish and Fr Prashant, Consultor to the Bishop, along with others priests who contributed to making the event a meaningful and memorable occasion. Sisters who had been a part of the mission during the past years and sisters from neighbouring communities and parishes participated in the celebration.

During the felicitation programme following the Mass, Bishop Anthony Swami acknowledged the dedicated service of the Bethany Sisters at Gadenahalli, encouraging them to continue their tireless work for the kingdom of God. In a gesture of appreciation for the Sisters’ significant contribution, Fr Moses, Parish priest of Gadenahalli, honoured Sr Shanthi Priya, Assistant Superior General and Sr Sahana the Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province. He praised their dedicated service in the parish, reflecting the Synodal spirit of collaboration and service.

Later in the evening, the jubilant mood continued with cultural program, drawing together all the institutions on the campus, showcasing the talents of the students through dances, songs, and a dance drama depicting the rich history of the mission of the sisters. This event brought together alumni, current students, teaching fraternity, parents, benefactors and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude and festivity. It was a fitting gesture to pay tribute to all the stalwarts who have contributed for the growth of the mission during the bygone years.

It was truly a celebration of the steadfast commitment of the Sisters to the promotion of faith through active involvement in pastoral activities, education of the rural children, especially girls, health care of the unreachable, catering to the underprivileged in the rural area of Gadenahalliand surrounding villages. The vibrant mission of the Sisters is a testament to the legacy of the Founder and the Founding members, being a beacon of hope and inspiration for the downtrodden for the past 75 years.

Going down the memory lane, moved by the Charism of the Founder, Bethany Sisters stepped into Gadenahalli, on 24th May 1950 at the invitation of Most Rev. Bishop Rene Feuga, the then Bishop of Mysore Dioceseprompted by the faith response of Mother Petra, the then Superior General.They arrived at the missionaccompanied by the Founderafter the model of Jesus in the spirit of the handmaid of the Lord, to extend theircompassionate service to the flock who were much in need of it. Sr Philomen, the Superior, Sr Louise, Sr Lucretia, Sr Philomelle, were the members. They commenced their service in St Ignatius Primary School begun by the Jesuit Fathers in 1937, named after their Founder Ignatius Loyola, now handed over to them. A small dispensary was started in humble beginnings to cater to the health care of the people of the locality and surrounding areas, deprived of basic medical facilities.

Fr Founder’s love of Mother Mary, prompted him to venture into this missionon 24th May 1950, the feast of Mary Help of Christians, naming the convent, Mother of Mercy Convent. One of the prominent virtues of Mother Mary that appealed to him during the Marian Year was Mary, Mother of Mercy and accordingly the mission of the Sisters at Gadenahalli would be one of mercy. He was inspired by his patron St Raymond of Penyafort, who in turn was motivated in the work of redemption of captives by Mary, Mother of Mercy.

In response to the request of the local people and surrounding villages a high school was opened in 1984, for children who would drop out of school for not being able to go to distant places to continue their education. Later on, a Pre-university College with co-education at affordable cost was opened to avail the facility of higher education. The institution has been recognized for its academic excellence, consistently achieving 100% results and have received certificate of appreciation from the Pre-University Board.

A pre-matric hostel for girls coming from distant villages, a home away from home wasthe next much desired project keeping in line with the Charism of the Founder. Over the years, girls irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds have pursued education in a safe and nurturing environment. Quality education with spiritual formation and holistic growth has enabled many young boys and girls to answer God’s call and Bethany is privileged to have several local vocations.

Karunamatha Holistic Health Centre is the offshoot of a small dispensary begun at the initial stage and has taken significant strides in ensuring better medical services for the people of Gadenahalli and the neighbouring villages. With the recent developments, the centre now covers regular doctor visits, fully equipped dental Clinic, a mobile clinic and a modern diagnostic laboratory bringing quality health care closer to the community. The expansion of the centre has been fulfilment of a long-awaited dream of Bethany, medical personnel and residents. Now with the addition of new facilities, medical care is more accessible than earlier for people who would travel long distances for specialized health care services.

The Platinum Jubilee of the Mother of Mercy Convent is a moment of pride for all associated with it. It stands as a reminder of the profound impact of faith-based education and the power of selfless service. As the community embarks on its next chapter, it remains steadfast in its mission to be a light of hope, mercy, and excellence in the world. We plead that the Mother of Mercy blesses us with renewed spirit and fervour to continue this noble mission.Let Mother of Mercy Gadenahalli bloom, grow and bear fruit in abundance as it moves towards the Centenary year.