RFCM Compassionate Pastor December 2009

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Managing Editor

Sr M Wilberta, BS

Chief Editor

Sr M Lillis, BS

MEMBERS

Rev Fr Joseph Martis

Mr Ivan Saldanha

Sr Miriam, BS

Sr M Theresine, BS

Sr M Lilitta, BS

Sr M Rose Celine, BS

Sr M Bonita, BS

Sr Mary Noulak, BS

Sr M Jessy Rita, BS

1. Inspiring Words 2

1. Foreword 3

2. Message from the

Bishop of Mangalore 5

3. Message from the

Bishop of Calicut 7

4. Editorial 8

6. My Deep Admiration for

Rt Rev Msgr RFC Mascarenhas

- Msgr Denis Prabhu 10

7. Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas’ Contribution

to the Malabar Mission of the Calicut Diocese

- Fr Geo Payyapilly 16

8. All for You My Lord

- Sr M Esuria, BS 20

9. Father Founder and Children

- Sr M Theresine, BS 33

10. Favours Received 38

11. Testimonies 41

ContentsEditorial Board

THE COMPASSIONATE PASTORDECEMBER 2009

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“Be a child of prayer. May all your thoughts, words and actions, be an

unceasing prayer to our Lord. Do this, and then everything will be well with

you.”

“The merit of our work is not measured by the greatness of the action but

by the purity of our intention.”

“Let prayer be our principal duty, the first and chief concern of our life.”

“ It is true that I am going through very difficult times, but I am not

alone. I am at the foot of the Cross on Calvary with my Blessed Mother.”

“To help another, to think of another’s hardships, and to lighten another’s

burden is the characteristic of a fervent, charitable Religious.”

“Wherever God places you, in His providence, that place is the best for

you. If I could fill another place God would not have kept me here. Let us thank

God for the favour… Let us be convinced of His choice for each one of us.”

“We are generally conscious about how presentable we are when we appear

in public. If someone were to remark that there is some dirt on our face, of

which we are not aware, do we get angry with that person? We feel grateful;

don’t we? Even so, why should we get annoyed with someone, who points out

a defect in us? We should be grateful on the other hand. This is simple logic.”

INSPIRING WORDS OFTHE SERVANT OF GOD

RAYMOND FC MASCARENHAS

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Bethany Generalate

Kankanady Post

Mangalore - 575 002

8 December 2009

FOREWORD

It was at 3.45 am on Friday, 23 December 1960 the great priest of God, Msgr

Raymond FC Mascarenhas commended his spirit to the Lord. This event of his

birth in heaven occurred just a day before Christmas, a feast that Msgr Raymond

loved much. His vision in life was to make the Word enflesh in the hearts of

others. The Holy See lauded his achievement of translating the New Testament

into Konkani for the first time, in 1952, thus bringing Jesus powerfully into the

life of a Christian community. He took the Word of God to the homes of the

ordinary Christians who knew mainly Konkani language.

As the news of his death spread throughout the city of Mangalore many

exclaimed, “He was a holy Priest.” As a pastor and intercessor of the Church

before the Almighty, his holiness is experienced by numerous people through

the spiritual and temporal favours they receive. The Church has acknowledged

him as a Servant of God, a candidate worthy to be considered for canonization.

The Lord has been guiding His Lordship Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’ Souza,

the Bishop of Mangalore who initiated the Cause of Beatification of the Servant

of God, on 3 June 2008. We await, hoping that the Lord will complete this

noble task for the glory of God, the good of the Church and as a source of

inspiration to the priests, consecrated women and men, all people of God and

very especially to Bethany Sisters.

The death or birth in heaven and the reputation of the holiness of the

Servant of God cannot be separated from his life of sufferings and rejection

here on earth. Fr A La Fleur CFS, a friend of Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas once

wrote to him thus: “Those who are chosen by Jesus to undertake such a divine

work are invited to follow Him not only to the breaking of the bread but also the

drinking of the chalice of His passion. Thus the founders have the experience

of facing many difficulties and undergoing numerous trials.” The entire life of

the Servant of God was a continuous drinking of the chalice of his passion

which he did in humble submission to the Divine Will.

His life reminds us that we too can make our life sublime and life giving.

May the Fiftieth Year of the death of the Servant of God be a period of numerous

blessings for all of us and an invitation to grow in integrity of life which is

holiness.

Sr M Jyoti BSSuperior General

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Coming together to commence the Fiftieth Death

Anniversary of your revered Founder, Msgr RFC

Mascarenhas is truly a very kind thought and Christian

gesture, which will fill all his devotees and admirers with

love and enthusiasm and make them endeavour to

emulate his qualities of head and heart. The bulletin, The Compassionate Pastor,

will highlight salient and important events of his life, I am sure.

It is providential that such an event occurs in the Year dedicated to Priests.

We remember with gratitude so many pastors all over, but especially in our

diocese, who have dedicated themselves to make Christ known by the example

of their life, being kind and compassionate. That which has drawn them to

such a life is the faithfulness of Christ to His Father and to the Church. This

quality undoubtedly becomes an incentive to the faithfulness of priests. That

your Founder was one among many such priests is an undeniable fact. His

fidelity to his priestly duties and his apostolic zeal, his effective ministry and

ardent desire to spread the Good News are all well known and turn out to be an

inspiration to the priests and people alike of today.

I wish and pray that the publication of this bulletin be an apt means to give

wide publicity to his life and works, by reading which many may be drawn

towards Jesus, the Compassion Incarnate. May they be enabled to walk that

same path experiencing and radiating the qualities of compassion and kindness.

May our priests find a role model in Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

MESSAGE

BISHOP'S HOUSE, KODIALBAIL

MANGALORE - 575 003

DAKSHINA KANNADA, INDIA

21 November 2009

Tel : 2440524 ( 4 Lines)

Fax : 91-0824 - 2444035

E-mail : [email protected]

Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’ Souza

Bishop of Mangalore

DIOCESE OF MANGALORE

I am very glad to know that Bethany Sisters are

publishing the third issue of the “Compassionate Pastor,”

the bulletin on the Servant of God Msgr. Raymond

Mascarenhas, who is the founder of the Congregation

of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany. This bulletin will certainly help to

highlight the good work of Msgr Mascarenhas.

It was a joy to read the biography of Monsignor Mascarenhas. Indeed he

was a deeply spiritual man who could knit together the contemplative and active

dimensions of prayer, the unique characteristic of the house of Bethany, in his

life and work. True, he was a mystic in ordinary situations of life.

Certainly, this dedicated priest was a great visionary too who could rightly

discern the needs of the time and work hard towards them. It is heart warming

to know that he was very compassionate towards the marginalized sections of

the society and that he was moved by the sufferings they had to endure. His

attempts to promote education for the poor girls are praiseworthy.

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany is the fruit

and proof of his vision for the poor and needy. I congratulate whole-heartedly

on your contribution towards the mission and holiness of the Church today. I

pray for God’s blessings on each one of you and wish that the holiness of Msgr

Raymond Mascarenhas be officially recognized and that he may be raised to the

altar.

Bishop’s HouseMalaparamba P.O.Calicut - 673 009, INDIA

Joseph Kalathiparambil

Bishop of Calicut

Phone : 0495 - 23703132372577

Fax : 0495 - 2370271E-mail : calicut_diocese @yahoo.com

20 November 2009

MESSAGE

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The first community of Bethany outside the Diocese of Mangalore

was founded by Msgr RFC Mascarenhas in the year 1937 at Meppady in

the Diocese of Calicut while Rt Rev Msgr B M Ranzani, SJ was the

administrator of Calicut Diocese. This was subsequently closed. The

Malabar Mission of the Calicut Diocese was very dear to Msgr Raymond

Mascarenhas. This great bonding is probably the reason for many

vocations from Kerala in the past.

- Editor

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Sr M Lillis BSEditor

Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas loved children and he could

come down to the level of children to make them happy

… For him children were important as they were for

Jesus.1 Their littleness and helplessness melted his heart.

He was spellbound while reflecting on God who

leaped from heaven into the womb of a humble virgin

and then taking another leap into a shed, on a manger among the cattle and

sheep, thereafter taking the form and life of a servant, a labourer, and later

taking a third leap into the humiliating prison cell and lastly to the gibbet on the

cross.2

The Servant of God Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas fathomed the mystery of

Incarnation and lived vibrantly its varied facets in his day-to-day life. Each of

his actions was stirred by incarnate love and thus it had a transformative power.

The Churches he built, the pious associations he began, the schools he

established, the Congregation he founded, the hymns and prayers that he

composed, the books he wrote, the sermons he preached, the social work

activities he started have left a transformative impact. They were the means

that he took to incarnate the God of compassionate love in the hearts of people.

It is worth noting that in all his accomplishments he had the attitude of his

Master, Jesus. This is explicable from one of his writings: “Indeed I am an

unprofitable servant. I have done what I have to do and that so imperfectly. All

glory to Him, Who by His grace has enabled me to begin and continue and to

end. I am an unprofitable servant.” 3

On 23 December 2009 the Fiftieth Year of the death of this great priest of

God commences. I wish that we learn from his life how to exemplify the incarnate

love in our day-to-day life, all through the year 2010 and in times to come.

EXEMPLIFYING INCARNATE LOVE

Cf 1 Theresine, BS, Founder and Children, The Compassionate Pastor Vol 1, No 3, December 2009, 362 Souvenir of the First Eucharistic Congress, Mangalore 1938, Sermon delivered by Msgr RaymondMascarenhas on 29 Dec 1938, the closing day of First Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, 1393 Mascarenhas, RFC, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, 156

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Tears rolled down my eyes as I was reading accounts on the life of Rt Rev Msgr

RFC Mascarenhas. I was present for the closing function of the birth centenary

of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas (1975), and my beloved

holy Director, Msgr Marian FC Castelino, was the

speaker. I remember all that he said on that day

and I read his speech later on when the sisters

got it printed. I have heard many good and

wonderful things about the now Servant of God

mainly from Msgr MFC Castelino. It is my proud

privilege and joy to introduce to you Msgr Marian

FC Castelino of sweet memory. I happened to be

his last assistant and I had the privilege to celebrate his Golden Priesthood, 75th

birthday and the event of his retirement.

When Msgr RFC Mascarenhas came to Bendur in 1914, Msgr Marian

Castelino was just 15 years old and due to the inspiration of Msgr Raymond, he

joined the seminary. He grew up as his dear child and in priests’ circle, he was

called first-born or primogenitor. He was ordained during his time. He was very

dear to him and he knew him intimately. His memory was vivid regarding Bethany

MY DEEP ADMIRATION FORRT REV MSGR RFC MASCARENHAS

Msgr Denis Prabhu

Msgr Marian FC Castelino

A lucid account from the pen of Rt Rev Msgr Denis Prabhu,

the Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese and Director of St

Anthony Charitable Institutions. The writer had the

special privilege of hearing, seeing, understanding and

admiring in a profound way our “Servant of God.” The

sources are several writings, documents and priests; in

particular Msgr Marian F Castelino, who knew Msgr

Raymond at close quarters. He was also in attendance

at Msgr’s death bed and gave him the last holy anointing. The account brings out

the saintly predisposition of our protagonist with due clarity.

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and the Founder. In every event of Msgr Raymond’s life, Msgr Marian was

inseparable. I have learnt from Msgr Marian every detail about Msgr Raymond

FC Mascarenhas and Bethany of Bendur fame.

Msgr Raymond was born on 23 January 1875 in Shimoga since his father

was in the government service there. Raymond was the 5th among the 13

children of Lazarus and Joanna Mascarenhas. On 27 January he was baptized

in the Sacred Heart Church, Shimoga which has now grown to be a Cathedral.

The parents of Msgr Raymond were extraordinary Catholics. There was a

dwelling of the spirit, sacrifice and generosity in them. They raised a big family.

The mother had to rear the children with care and do everything for them,

which meant a big challenge. This kind of generosity would come only from

people of deep faith in God. These parents not only brought up their children in

the fear of God but also instilled in them the Christian values.

For the sake of educating the children the family returned to Mangalore

and thus came to live in Milagres Parish. Like other children, Raymond too

began to study first at Milagres School and later at St Aloysius College High

School. He was a studious and talented boy, and his teachers and classmates

alike admired his intellectual abilities. He was a born scholar. Even in his declining

years one would see him surrounded by papers, pens, pencils, dictionaries, the

Bible, the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary and popular hymns translated from

Latin or English into the vernacular for the use of the less educated people. Fr

Denis Fernandes, SJ, even in his later years would remark, “Raymond

Mascarenhas was one of my brilliant pupils. I had to be alert and have my wits

about me to give satisfactory explanations to his searching questions.” Raymond

came straight home after his classes. One evening, just as he returned he

overheard a lady visitor remarking to his mother. ‘This son of yours can be an

instrument for a great deal of good or a great deal of evil.’ Raymond is said to

have declared his firm resolution, “Why should I be an instrument of evil? I

would rather go about doing good.”

We do not have much material to explain more about his life in the school.

He, no doubt was a brilliant student making people imagine what this child

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would be in the days to come. Though he could have gone for his higher

studies, he made up his mind to join the seminary for the Diocese of Mangalore.

In the seminary too he was a hit. He was brilliant; he was ever ready to help his

companions. He possessed a prodigious memory. Since he had studied well

and had mastered the subjects in the seminary, later on given an occasion he

was conversant in dealing with such subjects as Philosophy or Theology. I

have read his books and writings. While going through them one would imagine

whether this priest had gone for higher studies after his ordination. He was at

home with Theology, Canon Law, Church History and Church documents then

available. He could quote from the Scriptures and cite Canons very easily. This

would substantiate his arguments. In his aspiration to become a priest St John

Marie Vianney was his role model. He chose a quotation from this Saint to be

printed on the Souvenir of his Ordination and the First Mass. It is reproduced

here below:

Souvenir of the

Ordination

and

The First Mass

of

Fr R F C Mascarenhas

Ordained, March 4, in the Cathedral

by

Rt Rev Dr A Cavadini, SJ

Bishop of Mangalore

First Mass, March 11,

at Milagres, Mangalore

In the Holy Year 1900.

“The Priesthood can only be understood in Heaven. If we could understand

it upon earth, we should die; not of fear, but of love.”

- Cure of Ars

The quote selected is indicative of his deep admiration for the priesthood and

the patron of priests, St John Marie Vianney, the Cure of Ars.

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Soon after his ordination he was appointed assistant parish priest at

Milagres, Mangalore. Four months later he was deputed to Mount Rosary,

Kallianpur as an assistant parish priest up to April 1901. In the interim period

from December 1900 to February1901, he substituted for the parish priest of

Kirem who had gone to Goa. From March to May, he was the assistant parish

priest of Milagres, Kallianpur where he learnt a lot, as he often said, from the

late V Rev Fr Aloysius Fernandes. In 1903 he was appointed parish priest of

Udyavar. He served this parish till March 1910. In the midst of hardships and at

a great personal sacrifice he not only acquired three acres of land for the site of

the church but also built a beautiful church and the priests’ residence. His

ministry at Udyavar was a story by itself. He had spent all the money he had, on

the purchase of land and on charity to poor people. He could be likened to the

Cure of Ars walking through the streets and through the paddy fields, and the

river banks serving his parishioners. His parish was composed of poor people

who relied totally on agriculture and fishing. There was hardly an educated

person. The children were sent for menial jobs and the youngsters for cooli

work. For the people it was a hand-to-mouth existence.

Throughout his entire ministry in the parishes Fr Raymond’s struggle was

heroic. In the village of Udyavar apart from the physical hardships he endured

a lot of other sufferings in his ministry. When the bishop laid the foundation of

the church he had just five rupees in his purse. He was a man of total submission

to the will of God. Having spent a lot of time before the Blessed Sacrament, he

had realized that Jesus was the only strength and consolation to him. This early

pastoral practice stood in good stead when he had to pass through the way of

the cross in later days.

From Udyavar he was transferred to Agrar parish which was wide spread.

His important work was to visit the families, he had to do this either on foot or

with the help of a bicycle. In the church he fulfilled all the duties of a parish

priest. His masses, sermons, holy hours and novenas were well liked and

appreciated by the people. He built a large house for the priests at Agrar and

procured plots of land for future parishes at Siddakatte, Nirkan and Allipade,

besides procuring 6 acres of additional land for Agrar church. He was transferred

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from Agrar to Bendur on 23 Aug 1914 at the request of the people of Bendur. In

this parish too he gave prime attention to the pastoral ministry. The parish was

founded from scratch with his appointment as the parish priest. He did everything

to make it a parish par excellence.

He was the centre of attraction to all who knew him. Apart from being a

dynamic person, he was a true pastor to the flock. He would spend a lot of time

before the Blessed Sacrament praying for his people. He received a lot of spiritual

strength and courage to plan and work for the people. His sermons were

excellent. On all important occasions in the city Fr Raymond was the first choice.

He used to ride on the bicycle visiting house after house. As a result several

boys and girls imitated his good example. When he visited the families he made

sure that he knew everyone. The educational qualification of the members, the

financial position of the families, the future of the growing boys and girls, the

sick and the ailing at home, the pastoral care of the sick, the employment to

the jobless, all of these were taken care of by this parish priest. Hence, he

became, so to say a member of every family and they loved him. When disaster

took place in the family Fr Raymond was the first one to reach out to them not

only to console but to give them the best help that was possible.

Whatever work he did or service he conducted had an exquisite touch.

His ability and his talents had proved his worth. He was very clear in his concepts,

thorough in scripture and theology. His gentle flowing and eloquent language

with his resounding voice would capture the hearers with raptures of admiration.

Many retreats that he preached to the religious, priests and the people were

liked, unsurpassed in originality of thought and provided new inspiration to the

listeners. I have heard all these from Msgr Marian Castelino. When he was

speaking about Fr Raymond, the listener would regret that he had not met him

personally; that was also my feeling. The funeral eulogy on 16 June 1916 at

the demise of Fr Frachetti, SJ, his address and toast on the occasion of the

Consecration of the first Indian Bishop, Most Rev Dr Valerian D’ Souza, his last

tribute at the funeral of Bishop Paul Perini, SJ in Calicut Cathedral and his grand

sermon on 29 December 1938 at the closing day of the First Diocesan Eucharistic

Congress at Mangalore had kept thousands spellbound. Hence, this pastor was

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gifted by God with manifold gifts and talents. He could be likened to the

person who received five talents returning with satisfaction saying that you

have given me five and I have earned another five.

I do not want to explain more about the foundation of Bethany, its growth

and the apostolate done by the Sisters. This is known to many and will be

exposed on other occasions. For Msgr Raymond, Bethany was his joy and crown

- Gaudium Meum et Corona Mea, reading “My joy and my Crown”!

The Monsignor inspired youth to embrace priestly and religious life. His

assistant Fr Victor Fernandes at Bendur parish was also his assistant at Agrar,

and later he became the Bishop of Mangalore. Basil Peres whom he sent to the

seminary became a priest. He conducted his First Mass. Thereafter became his

assistant, later the Bishop of Mangalore. Fr James Mendonca whom he appointed

as headmaster of St Sebastian School, Bendur, was a priest of Tiruchirapalli

(Trichy) Diocese, Tamil Nadu, who later became its bishop. Fr Patrick D’ Souza

who received inspiration from him became a priest of Ajmer Diocese and later

on was appointed as the Bishop of Varanasi. Two of his nephews Charles

Mascarenhas and Stanley Mascarenhas became priests of Allahabad Diocese,

one was the Vicar General. The late Fr L S Pais, a great priest of our diocese

was the first child baptized by him at Bendur. Fr Marian FC Castelino, another

shining priest of Mangalore Diocese was moulded by him. He was present at all

programmes conducted by or in honour of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas. Any priest

who came in contact with him and especially the priests from Bendur parish

were admirers of Msgr Raymond and they stood by him though thick and thin.

I have restricted myself from enumerating many other ministries he offered

for the Diocese of Mangalore and the Church at large. I feel I am blessed by

God to write these few lines in honour of a great personality, the holy priest of

the Diocese of Mangalore. May all those who read this be blessed by God to

become zealous priests, religious sisters and good lay faithful. Let each one

draw inspiration from the life of Rt Rev Msgr Raymond Francis Camillus

Mascarenhas. I pray that God may raise him to the ranks of Saints, sooner the

better.

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Msgr Mascarenhas possessed the energy and zeal of a true apostle for whom

the love of Christ burned brightly. Like his chosen patron saint, St Francis

Xavier, the dominant passion of his entire life was “give me souls, take away all

else.”1

It was this passion for Christ and compassion for the humanity that urged

him to respond to the invitation of the missionaries in Malabar mission of the

diocese of Calicut by sending Sisters of the Bethany Congregation that he

founded in Mangalore.

North Kerala, known as Malabar, comprising of five districts namely

Malapuram, Palghat, Kozhikode, Kannur and Waynad before the Independence

of India was under Malabar territory belonging to Madras Presidency of the

British. The diocese of Calicut consisting of these areas was bifurcated from

the diocese of Mangalore in 1923. The new diocese needed missionaries to

carry on the educational, pastoral and social activities. Msgr Mascarenhas, the

zealous missionary of the Diocese of Mangalore was then the parish priest of

the new parish of Bendur in Mangalore. It was just two years since he had

Rev Geo Payyapilly

MSGR RAYMOND MASCARENHAS’CONTRIBUTION TO THE MALABARMISSION OF THE CALICUT DIOCESE

1 D’Souza, Violette, Unless the Seed Die, 1985, 76

Rev Fr Geo Payyapilly has authored Jeevita Poornima

a biography of Msgr Raymond in Malayalam. He is the

Chief Editor of Maryvijayam and Sandesham, the

bulletins of Calicut Diocese. Presently he is occupied in

scholarly works, along with his priestly ministry. The write-

up provides a brief insight into Msgr Raymond’s

missionary endeavours in the peripheral areas of North

Kerala. The unique contribution of Msgr Raymond to the

Church at large, through the exemplary work of the Bethany Congregation and the

basis of their growth is relevant and enlightening.

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started the new religious Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of

Bethany at the encouragement of Most Rev Paul Perini SJ, who was then the

Bishop of Mangalore and later the first Bishop of Calicut. Responding to the

invitation of the Bishop he sent out Bethany Sisters to the new diocese of

Calicut to support the missionaries, when the Congregation was stepping into

the second decade of its birth.2

Msgr Mascarenhas, the great visionary had preferential option for the poor

especially those in the remotest villages. Empowerment of girls and women

was his great concern. He strove to achieve this by giving them the training for

self-employment like weaving, tailoring, embroidery and other such skills so

that they become self-reliant and self sufficient.3 His far sightedness and

missionary zeal spurred him on to reach out to the most backward areas of

Karnataka and Malabar of Calicut Diocese unmindful of the cultural differences

or distances. The poor and the marginalized would attract his attention. He

believed that Catholic education was the best means to bring the Good News to

the poor and to alleviate their sufferings. As an educationist he was a member

of the District Education Council of South Kanara4 which enabled him to start

Kannada medium schools in many parts of Karnataka region and also in those

areas where Kannada speaking people had migrated.

Responding to the invitation of Fr Antony Machado who was the parish

priest of Meppadi, Waynad, Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas facilitated the opening

of a convent there on 31 October 1937. The convent which was named Bethulia

was solemnly inaugurated by Rt Rev Msgr B M Ranzani SJ, the Administrator of

Calicut Diocese. The school over there chiefly catered to the needs of the

children of the estate workers who had migrated from Karnataka. The school

was in Kannada Medium. One of his letters to the Sisters of this convent

illustrates his comprehensive understanding of mission work.5 He was then the

Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore.

2 Letter of Rt Rev Msgr B M Ranzani SJ, the Administrator of Calicut Diocese, dated 16 August 19373 Lumina, BS, Report of St Martha’s Industrial Training School4 RFC Mascarenhas, Member District Education Council of South Kanara, The Memorial of the Catholic

Association of South Kanara dated 20 February 19275 Letter of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas to Bethulia Community, Meppadi

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Bishop’s House, Mangalore

My dear children, 23 Nov 1937

Just to tell you that we are all doing well here and we hope that the same is

the case with you all there.

I feel like coming over to Meppadi but distance and expense keeps away.

However I hope to have an occasion sooner or later.

We are waiting to hear news about your school – Did the Inspector come?

How is the number of children? When will the school be recognized?

How is your dispensary – the number of patients? Is it a cure or kill treatment?

How is your needlework class? How is the orphanage? How are your whims and

fancies? I forgot about the garden. What progress is it making?

Did you remember us on the Feast Day of the Presentation, which is the

anniversary of our Perpetual Adoration, and of the Blessing of our Grotto at Bethany,

and of the Grotto at Rosa Mystica, and also of the Foundation of our Convent at

Maryvale?

Live so as to be very dear to our Lord at Bethulia. He must be happy to have

you around Him always.

Blessing you,

Father

This convent was closed down in 1942 since the number of students

decreased considerably and also because of the financial difficulty the young

Congregation faced in maintaining the convent and the farm.

In the year 1938 with the approval of Rt Rev Dr Leo Prosperpio SJ, the

Bishop of Calicut Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas helped the Superior General to

open a convent at West Hill on 12 September 1938.6 Fr Sebastian Noronha,

the parish priest handed over St Michael’s Lower Primary School to Bethany

Sisters with 150 students. Msgr Mascarenhas got trained four Mangalorian Sisters

in Malayalam and equipped the school with good staff members. The students

increased in leaps and bounds.

Though the sisters experienced great financial strain with the direction of

Msgr Raymond the school was upgraded to Upper Primary School and later as

6 Letter of Rt Rev Leo Prosperpio,SJ, Bishop of Calicut to Mother General of Bethany dated 23 July1938

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High School in 1996. Today the school has 3000 girls, most of whom hail from

middle class or poor families. It was the flowering of the compassionate love of

Jesus that Msgr Raymond experienced which spurred him to take up this new

venture in an area completely new to him. St Michael’s boarding house started

by the sisters became a cradle of vocations as per the vision of Msgr Raymond.

The ‘Bethany Home’ at West Hill which is a free boarding house for the

Catholic girls of the diocese was opened in accordance with the Charism of

Msgr Raymond, a compassionate Pastor who envisioned the empowerment of

girls and women through education.

Msgr Mascarenhas was instrumental in opening the third convent of Bethany

at Pallikkunnu, Waynad in 1949.7 Fr Jean Marie Jeffrino started his mission

among the major tribals of the area namely Kurichiyar, Paniyar, Kurumar.8 He

constructed a church in 1907 and started a primary school in 1923.9 Under the

leadership of Msgr Raymond, Bethany Sisters took charge of the school in 1949

and upgraded the same to Upper Primary School in 1954.

Msgr Raymond manifested his empathetic love also to the migrants of

Syro-Malabar Church at Mariapuram in Malapuram district, by sending sisters

to start a convent and school in this place in 1953 which later was handed over

to the diocese of Tellicherry.10 After the death of Msgr Raymond in 1960, the

sisters continued following the vision of their Founder by opening convents in

various areas of Malabar region such as at Payangadi(closed), Kalpetta,

Thenhipalam, Thavam, Mothedam and Karakkundu. They witness to the

compassionate love of Jesus in all these places through pastoral, educational

and social activities.

Seven decades have passed since Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas launched

out a missionary venture in the Malabar Region of the Diocese of Calicut. His

effort was blessed abundantly by God bringing newness of life to the diocese

and to the society at large. As we step into the 50th Death Anniversary Year of

this Servant of God on 23 December 2009, I wish and pray that the blossoms of

his charism continue to embellish the Mother Church.

7 Letter of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas to Rt Rev A M Patroni, SJ, Bishop of Calicut dated 17 March 19498 Fr D Ferrole, SJ, The Jesuits in Malabar, Vol II, 229 Cf. Ibid10 Cf. Ibid

20

“The heights by great men reached and kept,

Were not attained by sudden flight;

But they, while their companions slept,

Were toiling upward in the night.”

-Longfellow: The Ladder of St Augustine

The Servant of God, Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, the Founder of the Congregation

of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, is Bethany’s greatest inspiration

and driving force. Leading an exemplary life of humility, austerity and personal

holiness, he was very charitable towards the poor and the marginalised. Devoted

to the Holy Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, he remained steadfast in faith and

loyal to the Church even in the midst of torments, trials and tribulations -

overcoming them all by his indomitable spirit. That the Congregation he planted

as a tiny seed in Mangalore in 1921 has now taken deep roots and spread its

branches far and wide, weathering many a storm, is a wonderful tribute to his

ardent desire to have the Gospel preached to the masses, educate them and

provide them shelter.

Sr M Esuria, BS

ALL FOR YOU, MY LORD(An authentic version of the saintly Death of

Msgr Raymond F C Mascarenhas)

The author Sr M Esuria is a well known Bethany nun, who

from a young age lived in the boarding house that was run

on the premises of Bethany. She is one of the six daughters

of a Mendonca family hailing from Sirsi; all six are Bethany

Sisters! They were all close to Msgr Raymond, especially

during his last days. Sr M Esuria was in Bethany motherhouse

during the trying times of the Founder and was frequently

at the cottage to attend to his needs. The moving vivid

description of the death of our Servant of God, is a saintly manifestation, it is worth

reading, pondering upon and absorbing, very touching and revealing indeed.

21

We may recall another quote of the 19th century when Shakespeare stated:

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust

on them.” From boyhood Msgr RFC Mascarenhas displayed signs of brightness in

academics and extra-curricular activities. With his exceptional talents he could

very well have become an engineer, a doctor or a lawyer; but he aspired to be a

priest of God after finishing school.

As events in his priestly life gradually unfolded, it was evident that he was

achieving his milestones according to God’s plan. Born great, he acknowledged

his inherent qualities, his tremendous strength of character to bear the brunt of

innumerable hardships, sufferings and humiliations he had to endure, as God’s

gracious gifts. He realised God was preparing him like gold drawn from its ore in

a hot furnace. In total surrender to His will, drinking the last dregs from the

chalice of sufferings, taking other founding members of the Congregation along,

he used his humility, humour and charisma to accomplish various missions for

the greater glory of God and to serve His needy people. He thus became a legend

in his own lifetime.

It was my unique privilege and grace to become part of his life during the

last year of his sojourn on earth. I witnessed his courage and fortitude, confidence

and surrender to God all through this period of immense suffering when he was

under the shadow of the Cross. In Mt 16:24-25 Jesus says to His disciples, “If

anyone wants to come with me he must forget self, carry his Cross and follow

me, for whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life

for my sake will find it.” One needs to forget oneself in order to win the favour of

God. He was certainly forgotten by all: his so-called friends and foes, his own

spiritual daughters and being human, at times he must have even felt that God

too had forgotten him as he lay bedridden with afflictions.

Every sister of Bethany greeted the dawn of 1960 with éclat and joy because

we were eagerly looking forward to the festivities to mark the Diamond Jubilee of

our founder’s Sacerdotal Ordination on the 4th of March. Due to some unavoidable

circumstances it was impractical to celebrate as planned; so the date was

anticipated to 29 February 1960.

22

The 28 February brought great excitement in Bethany with everyone feeling

exulted and grateful to God anticipating this singular benediction to come in

the life of their founder. All the sisters offered prayers and thanksgiving. Father

founder anticipated this eventful day in his life with profound joy and gratitude

to God and Mother Mary

Father was up before daybreak on this great day. All were ready to proceed

to St Sebastian’s Church for the Solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist. Many were

the greetings, wishes, congratulatory notes and accolades he received from

people great and small - his relatives, friends, well wishers, ecclesiastical and

civil authorities. To cap it all, the greatest recognition came from Holy Mother

the Church, paying rich tributes to his priestly life of dedication and commitment

spent in the service of the church and the saving of souls. A letter from Rome

arrived at the most propitious time, namely, when he was in great distress and

trepidation going through a period of trials and misunderstanding. He graciously

and lovingly received all these tributes after a period of criticisms, humiliations

and isolation as a mark of God’s patronage of him and the works he performed

for His people.

The day began well and everything, including the Eucharistic sacrifice,

went on as planned. Suddenly, during the very touching homily, father must

have had a stroke of partial paralysis that prevented him from rising from his

seat and continue the Eucharist. So, after the bishop gave him Holy Communion,

he was carried to his cottage. The doctor examined the father and gave him

the required medication advising bed rest. The father seemed to be in good

spirit and cheer inspite of his infirmity as he welcomed everyone with a faint

smile. After the breakfast visitors poured into his bedroom and wished him

well. The other events to mark the day continued as planned. Mother Macrina,

the then Superior General, presided over the function.

Although we were sad to see our father in agony, it was a consolation to

witness his willingness to embrace sufferings from God lovingly. With abiding

faith in Divine Providence, he joyfully offered his sufferings to God. Our founder

always taught us that boundless love for God alone could help us to suffer for

His sake and for His people. The paralytic attack restricted his movements.

23

Coming unexpectedly, it shocked him; but he overcame this crisis with total

surrender to God, carrying his cross patiently and courageously. His speech

became slurred and food frugal. Father had to be confined to his room for

some days.

In the months that followed, his only burning desire was to celebrate the

Eucharist. His love for the Eucharistic Lord and the Blessed Mother was so

intense that time and time again he pleaded with everyone to carry him to the

chapel so that he could remain in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. For

some days the chaplain or one of the sisters assisted him in offering mass at

regular intervals. He had committed to memory the votive mass of the Blessed

Virgin. Hence, whenever permitted, he would sit and offer the Mass with such

unction and reverence that one could experience his intense devotion. He was

so passionately in love with Jesus that it looked like the live Jesus Himself came

to him. He also spent considerable time in thanksgiving in praise and worship

after the Mass. He drew all his power and strength from the Eucharistic Lord.

In fact, he lived the Mass every moment of his life. In sickness or in health, the

father continuously prayed the rosaries at leisure. We would see him often

gaze at the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary, earnestly praying

to them even from where he was seated in his cottage.

With debilitating health confining this man of God to his room, the

authorities concerned gradually divested him of all positions and possessions.

He became bereft of company. His own life’s example was proof that suffering

is both redemptive and meritorious as he identified his sufferings with those of

Jesus for apostolic and redemptive purposes.

The condition of father declined as the months passed by and in his total

helplessness, he had to be nursed and cared for. Bethany was always there to

support and attend to his needs, spiritual and material. The sisters took turns

round-the-clock to visit him, willingly and joyfully sustaining him with whatever

help he needed, praying with him and giving him company - regaling him with

jokes, stories, news and the latest happenings. They considered it a privilege

to attend on him and minister to his needs. The late Sister Stella spent herself

caring for and serving him with much dedication and devotion. Her services are

24

commendable and praiseworthy. There was also a layman to attend to him.

From a human point of view it is difficult to understand the deeper meaning of

suffering as we begin to question why? Why him Lord? Yet it was comforting to

see him radiant, amiable and serene on this bed of pain. Ever with a smile on

his face, it became a welcome sign to every visitor. Time spent with him turned

out to be a blessing for people as it gave them the necessary spiritual strength.

Throughout his sickness he reflected the same compassion God showed to

humankind. Every one who visited father was edified by his patient endurance

and cheerful disposition that radiated God’s presence. He was a contented

person and never did he ask for anything other than to be carried to the Chapel

to keep company with the Eucharistic Lord.

He was a versatile priest who played a wide variety of roles as the pastor,

parish priest, vicar general, spiritual director, mentor and founder. Though

influential and powerful he was condescending and approachable to all the

poor and the needy. He was always ready to meet and help them in whatever

way he could. But now, this great personality totally bereft of all power and

influence, could live his life only for God, trusting in and surrendering to the

Lord.

I would often visit him to keep him company, to strengthen and support

him with prayer and to update him with current events. He would always gaze

heavenwards in unceasing whispered prayers. Having lost his power of speech,

he would try hard to convey what he wanted through signs and mumbles,

though sometimes it was difficult for us to comprehend whether he meant to

pray or sing hymns to Mother Mary or whether he wanted someone or something.

But in sickness or in health, I can vouch for his holiness, as he always wanted

us to pray the rosary and recite wee prayers, viz:

“O Sacrament most holy O Sacrament Divine

All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine.

Blessed and praised every moment be

Thy Most Holy and Divine Sacrament.

Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in you.

Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us sinners

Now and at the hour of our death.”

25

Sometimes he would ask us to sing or chant hymns to our Blessed Mother,

and then join us in praying while his entire being was focused on the crucifix or

the statue of the Blessed Virgin. It delighted him very much when we sang

hymns to Mother Mary, his face changing into ecstatic joy and eyes lighting up.

His powerful physique would incline towards the Chapel for a glimpse of the

Blessed Sacrament, for he turned only to the Eucharistic Lord and the Blessed

Virgin for necessary succour and solace. A couple of times, from the distinct

expression on his face, we could tell that he was in one of his most delightful

moods and was totally removed from what was happening around him. He

would be so enraptured that one could tell he had mystical experiences.

Very often God seems to be far away during some dark period of one’s

life. Msgr RFC Mascarenhas too had his period of “dark night of the soul” from

29 February 1960 until his soul merged into the Divine on 23 December 1960.

God’s power over his life was seen in the most trying and difficult moments of

his life. Father Founder chose to invite God during his darkest moments when

he experienced exceeding joy and peace during his dark period when he was

bedridden with pain and suffering. One could witness how he let God into his

darkness to pervade his room with His light of mercy and goodness. We saw

how the power and glory of God revived the father’s spirit to make him shine

brightly in moments of darkness and despair. In this state of deteriorating health,

abandonment, uncertainty, doubt, defeat and disappointment, his only trust

was in God; like the Psalmist who reiterates the awesome power of God in

one’s life in the imagery of God as the shepherd “Even though I walk in the

valley of darkness, no evil will I fear. . .(Ps 23:4). There were days and nights

when father must have had his desert experience when faced with moments of

dryness, aridity, loneliness, discouragement, lack of spirit and sleepless nights.

During these moments he called on God with great confidence and experienced

God coming in search of him and carrying him in His arms. All through his

period of confinement the father was submissive, humble, obedient, responsive

and patient. As mentioned in The Book of Sirach 2:4-5. “Accept whatever is

brought upon you. And in changes that humble you be patient. For gold is

tested in fire, and acceptable man in the furnace of humiliation.” He accepted

26

all sufferings and trials with a contrite heart knowing fully well that only through

the cross one could attain glory.

Having known Msgr RFC Mascarenhas from close quarters, I fondly

recollect the days spent in his company. In a fervent desire to extend God’s

kingdom, he undertook unparalleled projects that made him unique. Blessed

with fine oratory skills he used them to deliver soul-searching homilies that

earned him many admirers and conventional critics too. The father’s multi-

faceted talents were demonstrated with his translation of the New Testament

in the vernacular, becoming a leading protagonist of empowerment of women

even in those days, undertaking inculturation of Christian values, making liturgical

reforms and affability with people inside and outside the institution, making

him deserve the title: “A man of God and a man of the people.”

I affectionately recollect our founder who became our friend, philosopher

and guide during my juniorate period. On significant feast and other joyful days

of the institution, the Bethany Motherhouse community thronged around him

to express their heartfelt gratitude and good wishes. When he took seriously ill

after the paralytic attack, the sisters sang songs and greeted him, assuring

their prayerful support for his speedy recovery. The father would positively

beam with happiness and smile warmly at us. The presence of sisters, candidates

and visitors would enliven him. He would struggle to articulate his thoughts

from having lost his ability to speak with partial paralysis. His animated personality

though, conveyed what he meant much louder than words. Being in constant

communion with the Divine he felt His love and nearness at all times. Such was

his love and devotion to Jesus and Mother Mary when he ceaselessly called on

them, that his continence would be filled with a glow even in his distress. The

crucifix and the rosary were his only possessions and he persistently held on to

them. Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches; whoever remains in

me and I in him, will bear much fruit for you can do nothing without me” (Jn

15:5).

Visits from Bishop Raymond D’Mello from time to time brought our founder

great joy, comfort and consolation. He was a humane person noted for his

benevolence and magnanimity, very kind and understanding towards Msgr RFC

27

Mascarenhas and called on him whenever time permitted. His visits gave the

aging founder immense strength, support and delight. A caring shepherd, Bishop

D’ Mello showed his concern for the father in every way, having his best interests

at heart.

Let us dwell awhile on his daily crosses and piercing crown of sharp thorns

- though heavy-laden, he bore them with heroic humility and patience. He

tolerated everyone and everything, offering all that he endured silently to the

Lord. His life and works, teachings, writings and spiritual insights manifest his

untiring zeal to conquer hearts, caring little for public opinion or honours. He

was tenacious in the face of opposition and obstacles posed by those who

neither understood him nor supported his works. He proceeded serenely with

implicit faith and trust in God, taking all obstacles in his stride for God alone.

The founder gave us Mother Mary and St Therese of the Child Jesus as

models for imitation and Ecce Ancilla Domini as our motto. His most frequent

admonition to us was that we emulate Mother Mary’s faith - surrender to God

under all circumstances, pleasant or unpleasant, joyful or painful, good or bad:

in every thing to seek only the Will of God accepting everything as gifts and

blessings from God. In his daily life he practised whatever he preached, leading

an exemplary life even in his ailments after paralysis struck him. He humbly

obeyed authority, civil and ecclesiastical, inspiring everyone to do likewise. He

was alert even in his affliction and agony, displaying an eagerness to perform

every little act for the love of God. Father was so captivated by the greatness of

the mighty God assuming human form, viz “the Word becoming flesh,” that he

appealed to his spiritual daughters to learn from the incarnate love to empty

themselves totally and wholly to be able to fill themselves with God. While

contemplating on this mystery he would often weep for the depth of love God

has for humanity. He lived a simple, austere life of renunciation and detachment

till the very end. He often quoted the Bible wherein he was reminded of the

sublime words of our Lord, “So you also, when you shall have done all these

things that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have

done that which we ought to do”(Lk 17:10). He always considered himself as

an unprofitable servant, an insignificant person in the eyes of God, honouring

and glorifying God and attributing every achievement and success to His grace.

28

Fascinated by the life of St Therese, he instilled in us her little ways of

building confidence in and surrendering to God, urging us to make little sacrifices

and acts of love to please Jesus alone. All his teachings, admonitions, writings,

were visibly reflected in his life. He would always be seen engrossed in sublime

thoughts, his mind and heart rose to God in every situation; he devoted his

thoughts, words, energies, time nay his entire life to glorify God and save

souls. The way he welcomed and made people feel at home with him even

during his long period of illness demonstrated his love and concern for them.

He might not have been able to express in words but his body language expressed

whatever he intended.

His one obsession during his last days was to remind his spiritual daughters

to have perpetual adoration at Bethany. Every time he gazed with utter kindness

and compassion fascinated all who visited him. Preoccupied with the Eucharistic

Lord, desiring and longing for Him, he always prayed from his heart – day and

night. From the way his heart overflowed with love for God and compassion for

the poor, whoever observed him from close quarters would realise that he did

have times of mystical experiences.

Like St Ignatius of Loyola, we can confidently state that all his actions

and words were motivated with the single desire and aim to please God and

bring greater glory to His name. When provoked with questions such as: “Are

you afraid to die? Have you forgiven everyone?” his spontaneous and

straightforward reply would be that he was ever ready to meet the Lord because

his heart was always filled with a forgiving spirit as his love was all-inclusive.

His entire life was a demonstration of the extent of his love for the poor through

Bethany to God’s kingdom.

Although we kept company with him and attended to his physical needs,

we could not share in his inexpressible sufferings and with the passage of time,

his health became a matter of concern for every one. Having been immobile

and bedridden for a long time, he gradually suffered from bedsores. It began to

get too difficult for us to understand his needs and desires. We tried our best to

interpret his sign language to make it more meaningful. Oftentimes when he

desired to express something important, we failed to understand him. By and

29

by, from his gestures and sign language we would realise that he wanted the

Superior General by his side to communicate to her something very important.

The Superior General would make it a point to be present beside him every

time we made known to her his request. Mother Macrina, the Superior General,

was very gracious, loving and cordial and would often visit father whenever

she was in station and listen to him intently and attentively. She would also

desire that we keep him in high spirits and good humour and provide his spiritual

and material needs. Towards the end of his life he succeeded in making it

known that his only remaining desire was to have the perpetual adoration at

Bethany. One of his oft-repeated recommendations was to revive the practice

of perpetual adoration at Bethany.

As the month of December approached, the father’s health deteriorated

making him lose the use of his limbs. From then on, everyday looked like his

last day on earth. Sisters intensified their prayers, keeping him company and

singing his favourite hymns and songs to the Blessed Mother and praising and

thanking God for His mercies and blessings. Our founder looked like one

possessed with God, experiencing His presence and merging with Him. This

was the intensity of his experience of the Divine. It appeared like he was totally

immersed in God, for we could see God’s radiance reflected on his face and on

those in the room. The atmosphere looked serene and peaceful. As father

believed in the promises of God, he clung to Him as if becoming one with Him.

Throughout this period of loneliness, suffering and agony he underwent total

purification in a spirit of resignation to God’s will while undergoing self-

annihilation in being reduced to nothing. He readily and willingly renounced

everything to eternally possess God.

On 22 December father grew very weak and looked like he was going to

sink. Death seemed to be knocking at his door; still his eagerness to respond to

the summons from above was very visible to onlookers in the room. His whole

being reflected the glory of God as his face became more radiant. His gaze

fixed upon the crucifix and the statue of Mother Mary. All heaven seemed to be

ready to welcome this great soul but we humans could hardly tell when. As the

day wore on into the evening, father’s breathing became very hard and one by

30

one, he gradually lost sensation in his limbs. Then his body went limp as his

breathing became faint. By 8:00 p m Mother Macrina, the then Superior General

and many sisters from the Bethany Community came over to father’s cottage

and knelt in prayer around his bed, interceding with the Lord to be merciful and

kind to their beloved founder. One got a feeling in that sombre and sad moment

that his end was imminent when he got into deep communion with the Lord

and Mother Mary because, as we started singing the Magnificat he opened his

eyes as his face beamed with delight as though he was taken up into heaven by

Mother Mary and her son Jesus; but he soon shut his eyes. He continued

breathing as Msgr Marian Castelino, who kept vigil with him, administered the

sacrament of the last rites. His left leg started to move violently and then, all of

a sudden, it became still. Next, his right leg moved vigorously and later came to

a halt; after about half an hour similar movements could be seen in his arms,

as one by one, all his limbs came to rest. Thus his life began to fade. By then it

was 2:00 a m on 23 December. For the next hour you could hear only his loud

and hard breathing. A cloud of gloom descended on us with everything looking

dismal and the future looking bleak for Bethany. Towards midnight his breathing

grew deep, rhythmic, louder and harder. His eyes closed as he tried to breathe

through his mouth.

Like our Lord Jesus Christ, our founder calmly and courageously bore

troubles or suffering, being carried as it were on the wings of profound faith in

God to the Paschal Mystery of Christ. In his sufferings one could see God’s

power at work in him; and thus, his endurance brought glory to God. His

sufferings were a test of his virtuous life lived in conformity with the teachings

of Jesus Christ. Ever faithful to the Lord he followed Him closely, walking in His

footsteps, carrying his cross sincerely and determinedly. Like St Paul, he

considered it a privilege to suffer with Christ. Hence our founder’s life culminated

with total surrender to God, the master of life, obeying His every command

with the firm belief that he would be with God in eternity. This is how he

patterned his life after the life of Christ. He lived with the Lord and died in the

Lord with the hope of rising with Him again.

31

Msgr Marian Castelino by his

constant presence and prayers

comforted and strengthened him with

the words of life. Sisters knelt in

prayer to facilitate his journey to the

compassionate God the Father.

Around 3.45 a m Msgr Marian

Castelino, Mother Macrina, Sisters

Stella, Pacifica, Joseph, Oliva, self and

several other sisters from the

motherhouse community who were

present by the founder’s bedside

prayerfully entrusted his spirit into

God’s hands. For a moment, time

stood still… as we sat there in silence numbed by the shock of his death.

A luminous life spent for God and his people winged its way to heaven to

rest in the bosom of the Triune God. Bethany, the crown and the joy of his

labours, will ever immortalize his life and teachings. According to the signs of

the times, Bethany will carry forward his vision to make it more vibrant and

relevant by living more creatively to extend God’s kingdom.

Thus came to an end the life of an illustrious son of the soil, a noble

citizen of the country, a holy priest of Mangalore, a dedicated pastor, the Founder

of Bethany, the Servant of God and a loyal son of Holy Mother the Church -

Msgr RFC Mascarenhas. May he be raised to the honours of the altar in

recognition of his life of holiness, dedication and zeal for the cause of God’s

Kingdom and for his complete commitment for the greater glory of God and for

the saving of souls.

“Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime;

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time.”

- Longfellow: A Psalm of Life

32

Many years from now it will not matter what my earthly

possessions had been. What will matter is that I was

important . . . in the life of a child.

- Courtesy Reader’s Digest

Children played a central role in the life of Msgr Raymond Francis Camillus

Mascarenhas. Realising that they were the wealth of the church and of the

nation, he and the Congregation he founded rendered unending support to the

welfare of millions of children all over India and abroad. According to the Kothari

Commission, “India’s destiny is being shaped in her classrooms.” Fr Mascarenhas

had envisaged this reality even before the Kothari Commission was conceived.

“A human being is not in any proper sense a human being until he is

educated,” said Horace Mann. Father Raymond desired that every child receives

at least a good basic education. To further this cause, he started primary schools

in whichever village possible, delegating sisters of his Congregation to teach in

them. He particularly noticed that education of girl children was miserably

FATHER FOUNDER AND CHILDREN

Sr M Theresine, BS

The writer Sr M Theresine, a senior Bethany Sister, who

lived at Bethany from the age of eleven, hails from Kerala

and is an ardent admirer of our Servant of God who was a

father figure to all. She was admitted to Bethany by father

founder himself. Presently engaged as a formator, also gives

retreats to different groups. Her statements herein have a

deep reasoning and weight from a committed stand point.

The perception that girls’ education was neglected was

ahead of the times. Msgr Raymond consistently proved his belief that ‘the future of

the world was in the classroom and children, the wealth of the nation.’ The article

throws light on the lesser known concerns of Msgr Raymond.

33

neglected. Though cities had schools, much heed was not paid to them. So he

was determined to set up schools for girls too. St Margaret Mary’s Higher

Elementary School in Mangalore city was one of them.

“When is a man educated? When he knows how to live, how to love,

how to hope, how to pray and is not afraid to die,” said Joseph Fort Newton. It

was such men and women Fr RFC Mascarenhas sought to make of children of

his time and those of generations to come. He loved children so much that he

hoped to build a better church, a better society and a better nation by nurturing

them.

Fr Mascarenhas found that it was not feasible to reach out to remote

villages nor could the poor from such villages afford to send their children to

distant towns for education. All the same, he facilitated the education of those

children whose families who could not afford to spend much money on them.

He established orphanages and boarding houses in certain places for their

benefit, eg, Maryvale Orphanage at Kinnigoly, Infant Mary’s Orphanage at

Kulshekar, St Joseph’s Orphanage at Kinnikambla, and St Mary’s Orphanage,

Taccode.

Like his Master Jesus, the servant of God Fr Mascarenhas loved little

children and enjoyed being with them. Had not Jesus said, “Suffer little children

to come to me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven,” as he blessed them? He

believed it was easier to teach and train children and lead them to God when

their innocent minds were uncontaminated with the baneful influence of the

world. Someone had said that children come into this world like clean slates,

and we make indelible impressions on their minds. So he strove to create an

atmosphere conducive to their allround development. While a parish priest, he

would feed them with rich spiritual food. As a pastor, he took great care of their

spiritual and intellectual growth while helping them lead virtuous lives. Patiently

shepherding children he envisioned they would later build good homes and

families, and ultimately a happy society and nation. In every parish he started

‘The Sodality of Mary’ for girls and ‘The Sodality of Altar Boys.’

34

As children are the future pillars of the church, Fr Mascarenhas was

solicitous about their growing up with the right attitude. He strove to instil in

their innocent hearts the love for and gratitude to God, thereby assisting them

to live as God’s children. This kind of training has become the seedbed for

many a priestly and religious vocation.

Fr Mascarenhas’ devout and exemplary life inspired many to embrace

priesthood. After the consecration of Bishop Basil S Peres as Auxiliary Bishop of

Mangalore, at the reception organized for him at Bethany Motherhouse, he

reminisced about how Fr RFC Mascarenhas had motivated and inspired him all

along. When Fr Mascarenhas was the parish priest at Bendur, little Basil, a

parishioner, regularly attended his Mass and assisted him as an altar boy. After

Mass father would invite him to his room, hold him close and speak to him

tenderly. Sometimes he would say to him: “You must become a priest...” He

normally gave him a mango or some sweets, after which Basil would run home

with a joyful heart. Affectionate gestures such as these bore fruit when God

sowed the seed of priestly vocation in the young Basil’s heart. By God’s grace

and Fr Mascarenhas’ inspiration, many became priests and of them one more

was consecrated bishop, viz Bishop James Mendonca of the Trichnopoly Diocese.

Acknowledging that the future of the Congregation rested upon the

education of the children of the time, he instructed the sisters so that they too

could strive to sow and nurture the seed of vocation in children. In Article 298

of the Book of the Constitutions that he gave to the sisters, he reminded them

of their duty towards children: “Let the sisters remember that it is in their

schools and boarding houses particularly that the seeds of the growth and

prosperity of their Congregation are sown and that, out of those whom they

form therein will in great part be drawn those sisters whom in future our Lord

will associate with them or give them as successors in the work which they do

for His love and service.”

Guiding and grooming a little one when he perceived that there was a

passion to serve God in that little heart, was Monsignor’s specialty. This faith in

35

the worth of children prompted him

to accept me when only 11 years old

and my col leagues, viz, Mary

(Sr Pacifica), Fabronia (Sr Esuria) and

Imarita (Sr Marie Therese) at even a

younger age in the convent. As we

were very young he helped us in our

spiritual formation by putting us up

with the candidates being trained to

become nuns in the convent. We

were well cared for and provided with

a congenial environment for our integrated development. This instinctive love

for and hope in children compelled him to adopt the little boy Leo, taking

responsibility to educate him even in the face of sharp criticism.

Whenever Father Founder visited the communities of the Congregation,

he would not hesitate to carry from them some munchies for us that we enjoyed

as our birthright. He was so fond of children that he would easily change his

stance and become one of them, partaking even in their little joys, making

them feel happy and loved, and helping them in whatever way he could. There

is an interesting episode in this connection. The nuns had commenced their

eight-day-retreat during our Christmas vacation, and we children were required

not to disturb them. During playtime however, Mary, Fabronia, Imarita, Leo

and myself decided to have our own kind of picnic game, doing some cooking

in the little yard in front of Founder’s cottage. We needed some sweet potatoes

but could not procure them on our own from the kitchen. So we requested

father to write a note to the kitchen staff to give us some. Father was engrossed

in writing one of his translations, probably the New Testament that was to be

published the following year. He stopped even in the midst of serious work to

concede to our wish and wrote that note and we got the potatoes which all of

us thoroughly relished! Such was father’s simplicity, humility and love for children

36

that one cannot help but think of him as Christlike. When Christ was fatigued,

His disciples reprimanded the mothers who brought their children to Him. But

He welcomed them and blessed them. Remembering Father Founder, the words:

“So powerful, yet so humane; so busy, yet so accessible” just poured forth

from my heart in a verse.

Fr Mascarenhas disliked denying anything to children. Being a member of

a large family of 13 children, he knew his parents were not always able to fulfill

the desires of every child. He understood the pain of refusal in children. Not

wanting children under his care to suffer, he would go to great lengths to

satisfy them. I still remember how he once gave us money to watch an

educational film despite being hard up financially. Again, like many students

from different parts of Mangalore who walked to school, we too walked from

Bethany Motherhouse to Sacred Heart High School at Kulshekar. Seeing our

hardship, in his compassionate love for us, he would give us bus fare.

Father Founder made sure we enjoyed our holidays. Sometimes he sent

us to Bonus Pastor Villa by the seashore at Ullal, Mangalore. At other times he

let us spend our holidays at Rosa Mystica at Kinnikambla, Mangalore, where we

enjoyed different kinds of fruit fresh from trees in his garden. During one such

vacation, Imarita and Febronia were struck with typhoid. The Father immediately

had them admitted into Fr Muller’s Hospital in Mangalore where he visited

them everyday, comforting them and spending quality time with them.

He often called us children to spend some time in recreation with him -

telling us stories, anecdotes, joking and laughing with us. He also enjoyed our

songs and dances. At cultural programmes on his birthday, he always liked the

programme of the children more than anyone else’s.

Some lines from my composition edited by Sr Jyoti in appreciation of his

great personality might help posterity to grasp the richness of his person.

37

A True Man of God

I remember you, O true man of God.

Your stately form that inspired reverence -

So majestic, yet so loving;

So firm, yet so kind;

So wise, yet so simple;

So commanding, yet so understanding;

So busy, yet so accessible;

So magnetic, yet so thoughtful;

So powerful, yet so humane;

So active, yet so reflective;

Can I ever forget a person so rare?

I remember you, O true man of God.

The days when people flocked to you,

And the days when they forsook you -

Unchanged were you by both, with courage

You built up Bethany to world’s amaze.

Today, we pray you, O true man of God.

Help us to tread your path painful and hard.

And in every danger, O Father, be our guard.

38

1999/1 Thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas for the favours received.

- Sr Cicilia Mendonca, Rosa Mystica Convent

1999/2 Sincere Thanks to Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas for the favour

received.

- M R

1999/3 My grateful thanks for the favours received through the intercession

of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

- Vanitha, Donni Monteiro, Kulur


received.

- H D’ Souza, Permannur



- B D’ Souza, Permannur

1999/6 I am miraculously healed. Thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

- Sr Sandra, BS, Berhampur, Orissa



- Jyothi D’ Souza, Dubai


received.

- Sr Honoratha, BS

1999/9 Thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas for the favours received.

- Sr Louisia



- Sr Theresild, BS, Kalpetta, Kerala

Favours Received from 1999 to 2000 throughthe Intercession of the Servant of God Raymond

FC Mascarenhas and Published in Raknno,the Konkani Weekly of Mangalore Diocese

39

1999/11 Sincere thanks to Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas for the favour

received.

- Baby Vera Vas, Mucchhur

1999/12 Thanks to Msgr Raymond Mascarenhas for protecting me from a

serious misfortune.

- Sr M Gerosa, BS


received.

- Sr Euphrasia, BS, Puttur Convent

1999/14 Received three favours through the intercession of Msgr RFC

Mascarenhas. My heartfelt thanks to him.

- Sr Euphrasia, BS, Puttur


received.

- Sr Jennipriya, BS



- Sr Sheela, Madanbhavi

1999/17 Thanks for the many favours received through the intercession of

Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

- Sr Gerosa, BS

1999/18 Thanks for the gift of a child through the intercession of Msgr RFC

Mascarenhas.

- Cletus & Pamela D’ Souza

1999/19 Our sincere thanks to Rev Fr RFC Mascarenhas for helping us secure

admission for our son.

- Dr & Mrs Rebello, Sultanpur


received.

- Sr Helen D’ Costa, Bethany Convent, Naini, Allahabad

1999/21 Through the intercession of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, I was healed

of the body pain. My sincere thanks to him.

- Sr Paula, Sirsi


received.

- Sr Archana, BS

40


of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas

- Sr Carmencita

1999/24 Received favours through the intercession of Msgr Raymond

Mascarenhas. Our heartfelt thanks to him.

- Mr Lawrence Veigas & Fly, Kanjoormarg, Mumbai



- Shrimati Jacintha Serrao, Mumbai

2000/2 Thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas for favours received.

- Mary Mathias & Fly., Udyavar


- Sr Gerosa, BS



- A devotee


- A devotee


of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas

- Sr Elvira, BS


- Sr Concetta, BS

2000/8 Thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas for granting a child to Mr & Mrs

Salvito and Hazmit Concessao.

- Walter Consessao, Andheri (W)



- A devotee

2000/10. Thanks to RFC Mascarenhas for favours received.

- Sr Benignus & Community,

Nouadhibou, Mauritania, West Africa

2000/11 Received favours to the intercession of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

My sincere thanks to him.

- Zeeta Rebello, Arasikere

41

My sister Gracy Luis was operated in 1992 for a lump in her breast; the

doctors thought it would lead to cancer. All of us in the family were very upset.

The high school headmistress Sr Noel consoled me and gave me a lot of courage.

She asked Sr Lumina to pray over my sister with Msgr RFC Mascarenhas’ cross.

We put all our trust in Fr Founder and asked him to intercede with Jesus and

after that we proceeded to Manipal Hospital. After the final diagnosis it was

TESTIMONIES

1990-91 SAVED FROM DEATH

I was on my way to the railway station in order to

return to Viswema, alone in a cycle rickshaw when

suddenly a military truck came and hit the rickshaw I

was in. I felt darkness all around me. I called “Fr

Founder” louder and louder and that was all. When I

got up from the road and glanced at the rickshaw I

was travelling, I could see only the front wheel and

driver’s seat and the rest was all smashed into just a

tangle of waste iron. A big crowd that gathered instantly shouted, “Where is

the dead body?” It is a miracle worked by our Fr Founder RFC Mascarenhas,

that there wasn’t any.

Sr Chrisette BSSacred Heart Convent, Behala, Calcutta, West Bengal.

1992 HEALING THROUGH DIVINE INTERVENTION

Gracy LuisAntonio D’Silva

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

42

confirmed that the lump was non-malignant. Now she is completely cured and

there are no signs of cancer of any sort. This miraculous cure was all through

the powerful intercession of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas.

The following year my husband Antonio D’ Silva got sick all of a sudden.

He was very serious and was in the hospital. He had stones in his gall bladder

requiring immediate surgery. He was afraid of the operation. But my devotion

to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas had grown very strong and my faith was very firm. I

started praying to Fr Founder pleading and begging him to help my husband to

get ready for the operation. Srs Noel and Lumina visited my husband with Fr

Founder’s cross and my husband had regained his courage and told the doctor

that he was ready for the surgery; after a month he resumed his duties. I owe

my gratitude and thanks to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas for his powerful intercession

to Jesus through Mary.

Mrs Joyce D’ Silva (teacher)Bethany Convent High School, Goa

2001

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

On 29 September 2001, I was admitted to SCS

Hospital, Mangalore for malaria caused by falciparum.

On 7 October, my condition became very critical. There

was swelling all over my body and no one thought I

would live any longer. Hence, Fr Nelson, the assistant

parish priest of Bendur, administered the Sacrament of

Anointing of the Sick on me. The very next morning,

the whole swelling vanished and my body became normal beyond anyone’s

imagination. All the sisters of Bethany were praying as the Superior General, Sr

Jyoti had asked the Congregation to pray for my speedy recovery. I prayed to

our beloved founder to intercede with God for me and promised to publish his

block in the Raknno. This was the first miracle I received through the intercession

of our beloved founder.

Owing to malaria and infection, the doctors said that my case was a

complicated one. Weakness, insomnia, indigestion… persisted over a month.

SUCCEESSFUL REMOVAL OF THEGUIDED WIRE FROM THE BODY

43

Sr Noel BS Bethany Convent, Mangalore

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

I am Victoria Serrao, residing temporarily at Gerusoppa, Jyothi Nagar

together with my husband, Richard Serrao and our two children. Richard is

employed in KPC Ltd. On my visit to Shimoga, I was given the picture of Msgr

RFC Mascarenhas, with the prayer for his beatification. I had great faith in the

intercessory power of saints and was accustomed to pray to them. I began

praying to the Servant of God Msgr RFC Mascarenhas from then on. Here below

I would like to mention some of the favours I received through his intercession:

1. I had a lump below my shoulder. I prayed to Msgr for healing and in a few

days, the lump disappeared.

2. Our eldest son Royston, a student of BE, during his fourth semester was

depressed. Through the intercession of Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, he passed

his examination, and presently doing his fifth and sixth semesters.

3. Our second son, Viwan, having passed II PUC, despite securing a low rank

in CET, got a free seat in Mechanical Engineering in Karavali College.

4. My older sister Teresa, residing in Mumbai, suddenly developed pain in

both her breasts. She consulted several doctors. We were suspecting some

2009 FAITH REWARDED WONDERFULLY

For further treatment I was taken to St John’s Hospital, Bangalore. The doctors

there discovered from C T Scan that there was a central line or guided wire

covered with blood clots and the 45 cm wire was fully drawn into the body. It

took about 2 ½ hours for five doctors and helpers to remove that wire on 19

December 2001. I regained my health. This was the second miracle through

the intercession of our founder.

A month later pain in my abdomen necessitated scanning. On discovering

a cyst in the uterus, surgery was fixed for 11 February 2002. In the meantime,

the doctors put me on medication for a month to normalize my blood count. At

the same time I prayed through our founder to intercede for me. A month later

on the advice of the doctor the scanning was done again. To everyone’s surprise,

the report showed that the cyst had disappeared. The gynecologist seeing the

report exclaimed, “God is great!” Hence, my surgery was cancelled. This is the

third favour that I received through the intercession of our beloved founder

within a period of five months.

44

malignancy. But our prayers to Msgr RFC Mascarenhas blessed us with a

clear medical report. We continue to pray that she may experience complete

healing and relief.

5. My brother is married for 1½ years. His wife had a cyst in her uterus. After

praying to Msgr RFC, she is healed without surgery and now she has

conceived.

6. My husband’s sister Dora was critically ill and hospitalized. Doctors had

given her 24 hours. She is recovering fast and very soon will be discharged

from the hospital.

Victoria and Richard SerraoGerusoppa, Jyothi Nagar, Honnavar Taluk

THE COMPASSIONATE PASTOR

Published twice a year in July and December. No subscription. Donations

will be gratefully accepted to meet the expenses of printing, mailing and

the process of Canonization. Donations and offerings may be sent to the

address given below. Cheques/drafts may be made in favour of: Cause of

Msgr Raymond FC Mascarenhas. We invite your experiences for possible

inclusion in this bulletin.

The Vice-PostulatorCause of the Servant of God Raymond MascarenhasBethany Convent, Kankanady PostMangalore - 575 002Karnataka, India

Managing Editor

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Charles D’Souza and RodneyMilitary Camp, Iran

2009 JOB SECUREDFor many years my nephew Rodney and I

were working abroad. Because of the

global meltdown, I lost my job but kept

on praying to God through the intercession

of Fr R F C Mascarenhas. Both of us got

good jobs. Sincere thanks to him.

RFCM Compassionate Pastor December 2009

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