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Guwahati, Aug 8 : A historic and epoch making event was held at Bethany Provincial House, Guwahati on 29th July 2020 signifying the three fold proceedings – bifurcating Northeast Province into a new province – Silchar; secondly, renaming the North East Province as Guwahati Province and thirdly Installation of the Provincial Superior and Councillors of Guwahati Province.

The auspicious and meaningful day commenced with the entrance procession for the Holy Mass with the modulation of the Bethany Anthem with Sr Sandhya, the Provincial elect and Sr Benedicta Aranha, Sr Ruth Mao, Sr Janet Mendonca and Sr Shwetha, the Councillors, Sr Joy, the outgoing Provincial Superior and Delegate of the Superior General, Rt Rev John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati along with 4 concelebrants. After the homily, Rev Sr Joy, the Delegate of the Superior General read out the Decree of change of name of the North East Province given by Rev Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General of the Congregation and installed Sr Sandhya, the Provincial Superior. It was a grace-filled moment as Sr Joy, the Delegate of the Superior General presented the symbols of leadership to Sr Sandhya, the new Provincial Superior of Guwahati Province inviting her to guide and lead the Sisters of the Province after the example of Jesus the Sat Guru. This was followed by the oath taking ceremony by the Provincial Superior and the Councillors followed by surrendering themselves by singing the hymn ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord…’ Thus the gracious and historic moment culminated with the blessings of the Almighty, Mary our beloved Mother and the Founder, the Servant of God.

A commendable felicitation programme after the Holy Mass comprised of greeting of the newly installed Provincial Superior, Sr Sandhya and the Councillors - Sr Benedicta Aranha, Sr Ruth Mao, Sr Janet Mendonca and Sr Shwetha. The sisters acknowledged gratefully and applauded the milestones of Sr Joy, the outgoing Provincial and her team members. Sr Sandhya, the newly installed Provincial Superior, in her maiden speech thanked Sr Rose Celine the Superior General and her Councillors for their trust and blessings upon her. She acknowledged the Visionary leadership of Sr Joy and assured that she along with her team members will strive to carry on the baton handed over to them. A few words of inspirations by the Archbishop gave encouragement and support. Glimpse of ‘Down the memory lane’ – presented by Sr Edleburgh was a grateful reminisces of the past. Enactment of a skit by the candidates - ‘Pleading for the two-fold spirit of Elijah by Elisha’ was very apt to the occasion.

The Centenary year of the Congregation has gifted Bethany with new ventures and abundant blessings upon the Guwahati and the Silchar Provinces that will be soon actualized. As the chorus resounds louder ‘Let Bethany Grow, Flower and Bear Fruit in plenty’ it is their humble prayer that Bethany be more relevant and vibrant to the lands of hundred tribes and hundred tongues of the North East. May God be praised.