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Annual meeting of Socio-Medical Pesonnel at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor was held on 19.07.2019 at 8.45am. Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province presided over the meeting. In her opening address she highlighted the mission by quoting the book Jeremiah 1:7b. The mission mandate of Jesus Lk 4:16 binds the religious to reach out to the poor, the marginailised and the oppressed. Mnsgr RFC Mascarenhas the Founder of Bethany Congregation was spirit filled to share the compassionate love of God by starting the mission in the villages for the upliftment of women and the girl child. She further said that only a deep relationship with God in prayer can be the source of fruitfulness in the mission.


Dr Caroline DSouza, the Psychiatric doctor dealt on the topic “Geriatric care”. She explained in detail the Psych-Social and biological factors influencing mental health. Various changes that take place during ageing period of a person were dealt in detail. She gave simple measures to prevent mental ill health and to grow gracefully in old age.

 


Another speaker Mr Henry Walder, the Project coordinator of Disha Trust dealt on the topic ‘Rain water harvesting and preservation of environment’. The main concern was to preserve, soil, water and biomass. He placed before the group various methods of preserving it. Mr Sylvester DSouza, the Project Director of Disha Trust was also present on the occasion.

 

Later Social and Medical ministry reports were presented by each of social work centres and the hospital personnel. The action plan of 2018 was evaluated and the new action plan for 2019 was drawn in smaller groups and approved in the larger group. The opening prayer was conducted by Sr Sharon Preethi. Sr Anna Maria the Coordinator of Socio Medical Apostolate welcomed the members. Sr Vithalis thanked the participants. Sr Ida Janet compeered the day’s programme. There were 30 sisters from various convents under Mangalore Province participated in it. The meeting was closed at 4.15pm with a thanksgiving hymn.
Reported by

Sr Anna Maria BS

Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor