BETHANY SISTERS AT PANVEL

Mgr. Raymond Francis Camillous Mascarenhas an Indian origin in his zeal for God begun the Congregation of the sisters of Little Flower of Bethany commonly called 'Bethany Sisters' in Mangalore on 16.07.1921. Our Pioneers were Sr.Martha, Sr.Clare, Sr. Lourdes and Sr. Gertrude. The founder a great visionary and missionary with his zeal opened many branch houses in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Northen part of India.

The story of our making a sanctuary for our Lord in Panvel is an eventful one. When Bethany Sisters expressed their desire to extend their mission in the Archdiocese of Mumbai, His Eminence Cardinal Pimeanta pointed out the need of sisters in Raigad Dist, then a much neglected area of Navi Mumbai. Accordingly, Sr. Laeta, Sr.Noreen and Sr. Shanthi Priya were sent to pioneer the mission at Panvel. 

The apostolate gained momentum in 1988 with the establishment of a community Sr. Noreen being the first Superior. These sisters with great missionary zeal engaged in visiting the houses of Tribal people and learned their culture and language. They faced many challenges of their consecrated life and mission with indomitable courage and unflagging zeal. 

They took up social service activities specially for women and children through the Bethany Society [R] voluntary organization that has spread its roots inEurope and even African continents. The Society has progressed over the years giving educational opportunities to tribal and poor students.

On 17th June 1992 the sisters had the event of blessing the Jeevanalaya health centre. They also inaugurated a nursery with the help of Sr. Clerilla. Today, the Society has Sr. Celine Pereira as Manager of Bethany School and Social work co-ordinator, Sr. Helen Souza as Headmistress of the School and Sr.Elsie Sebastian as the Animator of the Community.