Mangaluru: The Bethany Educational Society organized the First National Convention of student representatives, so called the ‘Bethany Champions’ with the theme ‘On Wings of Excellence towards Harmony’ drawn from Bethany Schools all over the country for four consecutive days starting from 24 October. The First National Convention commenced under the ambit of Bethany Educational Society on October 24, the UNO day. Sr Wilberta BS, the President of the Bethany Educational Society and Superior General of the Congregation of the sisters of Little Flower of Bethany presided over the inaugural function and hoisted the Bethany Champion Flag at St Theresa’s School ground.
The Bethany Champions marched to the Founder’s tomb in St Sebastian Church to the rhythm of the drum beat. Sr Lillis the Vice President of Bethany Educational Society and Assistant Superior General unfurled the logo. The Bethany Champions paid their tribute to the Founding Visionary, Servant of God Msgr Raymond FC Mascarenhas at his tomb.
As many as 273 student representatives, from different States of India, from the Punjab to the Arunachal and from the Great Himalayas to Kanyakumari felt proud to be the torch bearers to usher in the change needed in our society by promoting harmony with oneself, with others, with nature and ultimately with God.
A solemn mass was held at St Sebastian Church, Bendur officiated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. ‘Transformative Education for Fullness of life’ was the aim of this Convention. A solemn inaugural function was held in
St Theresa’s School hall.
Fr Faustine Lobo, National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies, India, Sr Lillis the Vice President of the Bethany Educational Society and Assistant Superior General, Fr Antony Serrao the Parish Priest, Bendur, Mr Roy Castelino the President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Mrs Jacintha Alfred, Mayor, Mangalore City Corporation, Sr M Carmel Rita AC Assistant Provincial Superior of Karnataka Province, Mrs Sabitha Misquith, Corporator, Shivabagh Ward, and Sr Rose Celine BS, Secretary of the Bethany Educational Society were present on the dais.
Many luminaries through the four days of Convention lit up the world of these young stars who desired to be ‘light of the world and salt to the earth’. Through their inspiring input sessions on different domains viz. spiritual, emotional, socio-political, ecological and moral, they brought home the need for today's youth to be committed and dedicated. Though they were drawn from the expertise in different domains, they had the common concern for the youth who are the ray of hope in our world where value erosion is rapid.
The grand Finale turned out to be the time of reinforcement of all that the Bethany Champions had heard and experienced through these 4 days. Sr Wilberta BS,
Fr Joseph Martis, Rector, St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangaluru and
Mr Stephen Quadros during the Finale appreciated and applauded the Bethany Educational Society for this unique venture.
Sr Rose Celine the Secretary of the Society who was the Convener of the Convention gratefully acknowledged the communion, collaboration and team spirit among the Core Committee and other Committee members, who were geared up for action ever since the wheels started rolling and preparations were on. Sr Assumpta BS was the Coordinator. The vision of the Founder of Bethany Congregation was the common strand of thread that ran through the entire Convention.
The curtain was drawn on October 27 evening on the First National Convention of Bethany Champions, held at St Theresa's School Grounds with Sr Wilberta BS, the President of the Bethany Educational Society declaring it closed, at the Grand Finale of Synthesis and cultural fusion.
The young and energetic Bethany Champions were sent forth on ‘Wings of Excellence’ to be the harbingers of peace and harmony.
