SERVANT OF GOD

Monsignor Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas

Sr Mable Antony BS
 BETHANY ANTHEM
1. There is love, true love, and the heart grows warm
When the Lord to Bethany comes
And the Word of Life has a wondrous charm
When the Lord to Bethany comes
Ch: 'T was a happy, happy day in the
olden
olden
times
time
When the Lord to Bethany came
Open wide the door let Him enter now
For His love is ever the same
His love is ever the same
His love is ever the same
Open wide the door let Him enter now
For His love is ever the same
2. There is joy, glad joy, and a feast is spread
When the Lord to Bethany comes
For His heav'nly voice brings to life the dead
When the Lord to Bethany comes
3. There is peace, sweet peace, and the life grows calm
When the Lord to Bethany comes
And the trusting soul sings a sweet soft psalm
When the Lord to Bethany comes
4. There is faith, strong faith, and the
homehome
seems
seems
nearnear
When the Lord to Bethany comes
And the crown more bright and the cross more dear
When the Lord to Bethany comes
 SERVANT OF GOD
MONSIGNOR RAYMOND FRANCIS CAMILLUS MASCARENHAS
(FOUNDER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF THE LITTLE FLOWER OF BETHANY)

Bethany Publications
Bethany Generalate, P B No 593, Mangalore
 E.....
GRATEFULLY I OW
uls so dear to
d brings into life the so
In the fullness of time Go le Raymond anointed as the priest
... Thus litt
HIM to be his witnesses het of the time...now journeying towards
op
of God... rose as the pr l for all of us. The eminent and valuable life
de
becoming a saint, is a mo ymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas is
r Ra
of Servant of God, Mg Superior General
ed in thi s bo ok . I tha nk Rev Sr Rose Celine the I thank Rev Sr
pictur s task.
d encouragement in thi
for her appreciation an ial Superior of Southern Province, who
inc
Santhosh Maria, Prov
the book in Malayalam.
inspired me to write v Sr Lillis,
es s my de ep -fe lt se nti ments of gratitude to Re rk and
I expr me in this wo
neral for journeying with
the Assistant Superior Ge and information which has enriched this
ns
giving timely suggestio r constant suppor t and encouragement.
nk he r for he nt from Sr
book. I tha su ppor t and encourageme Varghese
ac kn ow led ge the
I sincerely and Sr Judy
y Maria, Sr Daisy Mani
Gracy Ignatius, Sr Tess owe my thanks to Sr Theresine, Sr Miriam,
s. I
the provincial councillor nd
seph for their
Frank and Mrs Annie Jo estions for
Th ere se , Mr Ed mu
Sr Rose d sugg
timely corrections an
generosity in giving the and whole.
e
making the book attractiv ath an for picturesque life of
our
tha nk Mr Ra vin dr an
I sincerely lay out and Jai Hind
un de r. I tha nk Mr K . T. Rajesh for preparing the I thank each and
Fo
out this book beautifully.
Offset Press for bringing ing prayer ful suppor t and appreciation of
ur lov
ever y one of you for yo
this work. er enveloping
kn ee l be for e God Almighty for His ev
Ab ov e all I book be an
an d gu ida nc e in my life journey. May this
presence
inspiration for all of us to
holiness... Sr Mable Antony BS

A KATHA) - English
Sparkling Flame (CHITR
Author : Sr Mable Antony BS
Illustration : Mr Raveendranathan PT 24-2218923
B No 593, Mangalore 08
Published by : Bethany Generalate, P
Published on : 2017 August
ics, Calicut - 1
Cover & Layout : Rajesh K T, Adhi Graph
thalakkulam, Calicut - 1
Printing : Jaihind Offset Press, Mu
 FOREWORD
FLAME' brings out the
The book SPARKLING d
ni fic en t pe rs on al ity of the Servant of Go
mag , the
gr Ra ym on d Fr an ci s Camillus Mascarenhas
M of the
gation of the Sisters
Founder of the Congre
Mangalore.
Little Flower of Bethany,
ofound influence on
His life will have pr
ut h w ho se ar ch fo r a meaning in life. It will
today's yo k
od el fo r th ei r im ita tio n. Life examples spea
be a m
th an w or ds an d th ey influence the minds of
louder a
lit tle on es w ith ea se . This will help to build
the
re.
better society in the futu
es are interwoven by
The pictures and episod tely.
Anthony BS appropria
the author Sr Mable ctorial
her painstaking and pi
I congratulate her for nthosh Maria BS,
n. I ap pr ec ia te Sr Sa
presentatio uthern Province for
al Su pe rio r of th e So
Provinci e
in g th e m ilie u an d encouragement to th
provid d
in br in gi ng ou t th e profile of the revere
author
Founder.

Date: 10.05.2017
Sr M Rose Celine BS
Superior General
 Message
and
world, where holiness of
In the contemporary lar y life
meaning, the exemp
vir tues have no much Raymond Francis Camillus
r
Servant of God Mg tion. Lazar us and Joanna, the
en
Mascarenhas, capture att Mascarenhas by their dedicated Christian life
Mg r Ra ym on d the Holiness of the
parents of of the family life deepen Sr Mable Antony
rta in tha t the sa nc tity
asce E by
book SPARKLING FLAM chosen by God as the
Church. The pictorial Ra ym on d, wh o wa s
of Mgr nt of God on the path to
illumine the upright life ati on and now a Se rva
of Be tha ny Co ng reg
founder
sainthood. Maria, the Provincial
initiative of Sr Santhosh
I deeply appreciate the ors in bringing out thi
s
rio r of So uth ern Pro vince and her councill to Sr Ma ble An ton y,
Su pe tio ns
r Raymond. Congratula der accomplished this
pictorial life story of Mg ial ble ss ing s of ou r Fo un
spec for the drawings that
the author who with the na tha n
. Co mp lim en ts to Mr Ravindra
mi ss ion nt of God.
nts from the life of Serva
appealingly depict the eve by the Southern
ioned and accomplished
This entire project envis is a priceless gif t to the society at large. .
regation
Province of Bethany Cong s holy priest be a light to our path to live a life of
na rra tiv es of thi
May the life
s modern world.
compassionate love in thi Sr Lillis BS
of Mgr Raymond
Postulator for the Cause
No 593, Mangalore
Bethany Generalate, P B

WITH LOVE
ascarenhas is
e st or y of a holy man RFC M s influenced
Th ly Man ha
ling Flame.' This Ho day that is over three
unfolded in 'Spark e to th is rest gifts from
id adolescenc gifting me with ra is so much
my life from my m en te re d m y life
tly man w he
decades. This sain henever I sought his intercession. No is with pride and
ig ht y Go d, w gu id e. Th us it
the Alm n and a
y life as an inspiratio
interwoven into m each page of little book.
the everingly took
joy that I gaze into e au th or Sr M ab le Antony who pers t. History is
With love I thank th years getting ready with the scrip I
e past two dran. Lovingly do
up this work for th uresque presentation of Mr Raveen rior General, Sr
ct pe
made alive in the pi ntribution of Sr Lillis, the Asst Su Judy Varghese
th e co ssy M ar ia, Sr
reminiscence , Sr Gr acy Ignatius, Sr Te ly book. May all
Sr M iri am rth th is lo ve
Theresine, lo rs in bringing fo e ever
and Sr Daisy Man
i m y Co un ci
lig ht of w isd om and beco e a flam
m
be filled w ith
who read this book ia BS
sparkling. Sr Santhosh Mar
Provin ci al Su pe rior
So ut he rn Pr ov in ce
 This is Servan
this t
Sister, who is Raymond Fran of God Mgr
cis Camillus
father? Mascarenhas

never
I have rd
he a
name
of his He was born
and brought up
in Karnataka

Could you te
his life stor ll me
y? I w
know about don't Of course; no
him. lis te n to m e.

Mgr Raymond was born and brought up in a family where the fear of God and faith in God were strong.
When we trace back the family history of Mgr Raymond we can find some historical facts.

7
When the British army conquered Mangalore port in 1783
Tippu Sultan persecuted the Christians.

He confiscated the land and the property of the Christians and handed it over to the Hindus
and Muslims who supported him. He also destroyed many Catholic churches in South Kanara.
In 1783 Antony John Mascarenhas and his family were arrested and deported to Srirangapatanam.

In 1799 the surviving children of Antony John Mascarenhas - Paul, Annie

and Regina returned to Mangalore.

They became homeless, because their land and property were taken over by other people.
They were taken care of by Bosthu Saldanha. Paul married Maria, daughter of Bosthu Saldanha.
8
Paul was a very successful timber merchant whose trade flourished to the neighbouring places.
They had six children. Among them the youngest was Domingo- the grandfather of Raymond.

Domingo married Nathalia the daughter of Bosthu Coelho. Among his six children the eldest was Lazarus.

He was an official in the Deputy Commissioner's Office at Shimoga. He married Joanna.

9
 Raymond was born on 23 January 1875 at Shimoga, Karnataka as the seventh child of
Lazarus and Joanna Mascarenhas.

The Lazarus family was a cradle of virtues. In an atmosphere of faith they instilled
in their children a deep love for God and for one another.

Joanna, his mother lived only for her children. Her sole aim was to inculcate good habits and virtues in
them. She laid in them a strong foundation of character based on the devotion to God, respect for parents
and elders and love for the neighbour.
10
Under the guidance of his mother, Raymond acquired the ingrained qualities of a strong will and a spirit of
adventure, that were moulded into the habit of sustained endurance, remarkable tenacity and dogged
perseverance, which were manifested in his adult life.

Did Father Raym

ond
play like us...? e Raymond
ot he r ch ild ren of his ag h games and
Like any ed childis
ant and play
too was vibr ion of others with his
ct
won the affe anks.
pr
mischievous

11
Once as they were playing,

I won the
| game.
No....No... I won
the game.

is
this? If th
What is y I am not
a
is the w ying
pla

Joanna was observing all that

was going on

is don't
ghting like th
If you are fi . All of you get
play now .
into the room

12
She closed the door from outside

Mom... You stand

I... outside

After Joanna left the place

They will ha
a lot of fun nove
I could also w.
have
been in
the room.

13
On another occasion while they were playing...
lay
Shall we p ass? O K. O K
...
ri n g th e M
offe

...
Ok...Ok

By looking at the devotion of Raymond

he holds
See how devoutly
...!
the host in his hand

y he
Surely one da priest...
a
will become

I want to become
a priest.... will you
pray for me?

14
Yet another day....
ember the ited
o you rem
Brother d missioner who vis e this
m k
Deputy Co His hat was just li
my fathe r? you...
shall show
vessel... I

Putting on the brass vessel like a hat, Raymond walked to and fro in the house....
After some time...

Enough.. Sto
p.
will come ju ..mother
st now...

15
Trying to take out
the vessel... I cannot take
it ou
Please help m t...
e...
e
We shall call th
copp er sm ith
Joanna and Lazarus
enter

Don't cry ..
I will help yo .
u...

you done?
What have

Don't worry... el...

e vess
we shall cut th

16
 Mom...
sorry.... It is
don't r o k...
epeat it
...

w
see ho
Sister, his mother
tly
patien haved...
be

On another occasion,
an epidemic of small pox was raging
in the neighbourhood.
17
Joanna in her charitable zeal was attending on the diseased ones.

ut of
Don't go o ntil
u s e u
the ho
I return.

After Joanna went

for
Shall we look
mother..?

Hey... water...
shall we play
..?

18
It was the water used for bathing the victims of smallpox. They were affected by the same
sickness and one of Raymond's brothers consequently died of the same sickness.

t
retiremen
after his
Lazarus, rnment service,
e
from gov Mangalore
to
returned mily.
with his fa

Father Raymond received his early

education at Milagres School,
Mangalore. Later he was admitted to
Saint Aloysius College High School.

19
As a student he was extraordinarily gifted and academically excellent. He was a born scholar.
As a student both teachers and classmates alike admired his intellectual abilities. Once after
the class...

I had a
Sir today rise!
great su rp What
happened?

asked
the class I
Today after ions to Raymond.
some quest d close my
ul
Before I co ld me all that I
mou th h e to
e class...
taught in th

ing to that
Are you go e first time?
r th
class fo d the same
a
All of us h .
p e ri e n c e
ex

20
 Fr. Dennis passes by You seem
to
happy...Wh be very We were speaking
at happene
d? about Raymond...

Raymond is one of the most brilliant

pupils in our school. I have to be alert
to give a satisfactory explanation to
his inquisitive questions.

One evening just as Raymond was returning from school

he overheard a lady visitor remarking to his mother....

urs will be an
This son of yo er for a great deal
th
instrument ei eat deal of evil....
gr
of good or a

why should I be
an instrument of evil?
I would rather go about
doing good...

21
While Raymond was making his retreat, the matriculation results were announced. All were
anxious about their results. But Raymond was very calm and serene.
That evening as Raymond was walking along the corridors praying the rosary, his classmate
named Mohammed shouted in his hearing

Raymond
may not have
known about
the result.

sults
y m o nd, re ults
R a ut... res
are o ut..
are o

But Raymond did not even raise his head and continued his prayer.
Raymond was alert and had acquired great self control.

Raymond secured a brilliant result in the matriculation examination. By now he had made up his
mind as to what he wanted to do. Most of the people could not understand his decision. Some of
them were disappointed.
oosing
ing to do by ch
What is he go ministerial service?
this uncertain

e footsteps
so follow th
He could al Simon who was
r
of his brothe be a medical doctor..
studyi ng to
But much to the displeasure of
some of his relatives and friends
he joined Saint Joseph's Seminary
in Mangalore on 23 February
1891 at the age of 16.
22
 Sister, how did he
spend his holidays?
away
ver frittered
Raymond ne spent his holidays
e
his time. H ing good to others.
fruitfully, do

It is time
for Mass...
Let me arrange
for it.

23
With great pleasure and enthusiasm he would collect tiny tots from the neighbourhood and
teach them good manners and prayers...
Who created
us?

God cre
ate
us. d

Good... Let's pray

together the prayer
'Our Father....'

Raymond possessed qualities of leadership that would

gain for him the reputation of being a born leader. We are happy th
at
been appointed Raymond has
the 'Prefect'. He
an example to is
be emulated; hi
spirit of prayer s
is seen and expe
rienced by all. -
He has a sharp
intellect and is
a born leader.

24
 ther Raymond
Sister, didn't Fa e, while he
m
desire to go ho ary? Yes, of course, but Father
in
was in the sem always preferred the wa
y
of mortification, penance
and self denial.

At least ould
Ic
today if im...
me e t h

Mother
is waiting for me..
Jesus for your sake I
don't want the privilege of
meeting my mother....
Let me go through the
back door...

25
Raymond goes in through the back door...

name
's baptismal Father co
Sister, Father illus; then how musical nuld not sing a sin
Cam
is Raymond name Francis? expected ote. All priests w gle
di d he ge t th e of the wo to sing certain pere
efforts we rship service. All art
the interc re futile. So he sou his
Xavier a ession of St Franght
n
for the favod prayed earne cis
ur. stly

26
 O Lord, I want to be a priest... But I can't sing a single musical note.
If you bless me with this favour, I will add 'Francis' to my name.

His favour was granted. So he added Francis

as his middle name. From then on he was known as
Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas

had a
er Raymond
In 1895 Fath God demanded What hap
... pene
great sorrow t sacrifice.. to him? d
ea
from him a gr

27
After the course in Philosophy, while Raymond was preparing intensely for his priesthood,
his father Lazarus suddenly became ill and passed away.

Father, it was my great desire

that you be with me when
I become a priest...but now...

28
A priest of God forever.... Raymond who was burning with the missionary
zeal was ordained a priest on March 4,
1900 by the Bishop of Mangalore,
Most Rev Abundius Cavadini, SJ.

Amen...
rit of God I
My son, moved by the spi God. May
the pri est of
anoint you as
rch and guides
God who founded the chu ntly with
pro tec t you con sta
her still,
faithfully
His grace, that you may
cha rge the dut ies of priesthood...
dis

A week later, on March 11, 1900 with deep joy and humility Father Raymond Mascarenhas
celebrated his first Solemn Mass in Milagres Church, Mangalore.

29
 Lord, I recommend all my professors, my spiritual and temporal
benefactors and especially my beloved father who always had
a tremendous influence on me.

1903 Father Raym

on
with the spir d, your priestly ministry
it of prayer an fil
is a model fo
r d missionar led
assistant vica all of us...Having served y zeal
I am please r at Kallianpur and Milaas the
d
Udyavar pari to appoint you the Vi gres,
sh. car of

30
Father Raymond cared for the flock far beyond the strict limits of duty, sacrificing his strength
and wearing himself down in the interests and welfare of his parishioners.

Once at mid-night (1 a.m)

?
ened
happ
what
Father..Fathe
r...

idemic is
Father Ep every
sp re a d in g a
ur grandm
where...Osinking..
Agnes is no one to
We have ase come
help....Pleus...
and help
my son...
Don't worry st now...
m e ju
I will co

31
Father goes along with him

Father Raymond believed that all things are possible with God and worked relentlessly
for the same. After blessing the foundation stone at Udyavar
I have not
even a rupee to
begin the work
of the church...

s
big donation
Don't expect But trust in
...
from others n with
gi
God and be receive...
ha te ve r yo u
w

32
Next day...
Did you see
Fr Raymond?

No....

front of the
He is sitting in the rosary;
in g
grotto pray e dropping
and people ar cting
He is collebuild
money... mo n e y to
...
the church

His will power

is amazing!

between
relationship parish?
What is the B en du r
and
Fr R aymond St Sebastian's Churc
h,
is the newly constitu Bendur
ted parish.
The word Bendur in
Ka
language means- ba nnada
rren land.

33
On 23 August 1914
We want Fr Raymond
as our parish priest..

Let me think
of it..

d with your
I am please
Fr Raymond,t, selfless service and
it
commitmenzeal filled with the spir I will do it to the
issionar y ap po in t best
m am happy to of my ability...Bles
of prayer...I t vicar of the newly me Father...
s
you the fi rs ish..
Bendur Par
constituted

you...
Thank od bless
y G
Ma y son....
you m

34
One Sunday during Mass As prophet Ezek
these dry bone iel says 'Will
s
My people, we ever live?'
m
education to ou ust provide
r children...

We should se
After few years school...We hand our children to
Mary Higher ve started St Margret
Primary Scho e coming
girls and St Se ol for Father we ar ady...
boys at Bend bastian School for fr om Ka nk an
ur itself...

35
I am happy to inform you that St Joseph's Lower Primary School
at Kankanady also belongs to the parish.

Fr Raymond ha
magic ! we ha s worked
miraculously... ve grown
hall
Yes...yes...S
we go an d
?
meet father

36
 ther
me Fa
Bless
u....
God Bless yo

have a
Father we nt church...
e
magnific you money
Who gave is church?
to build th

It was not a
collection... compulsory
B
fruit of man ut it is the
y
and loyal ch generous
ild
Holy Mothe ren of
r Church.

you
why are ?
Father, is small house
th
living in

s was born
My son, Jesu . Isn't your
m anger..
in the
o? Will you
house small to techism
Ca
not come for ?
w
class tomorro
Surely,
all us will
come.
n...
Good childre s
May God bles ly...
nt
you abunda

37
 Bishop, Fr Raymond is making relentless efforts to
bring about temporal growth in the parish...

s
e work
ls o k now thre to bring o....
I a taken a owth t
o
under spiritual gr
abo u t

Altar Boys Association, St Vincent de Paul Society and Catechism classes animated effectively...
I am happy to announce this parish as the best and model parish of the diocese...

38
Still Fr Raymond's mind was disturbed and confused....
People who
don't have even
-Uneducated the elementary
girls education

Teachers who are

not well trained
and committed Girls, who
have the desire of committing
themselves to God through
religious life, but have
no chance to do it because
of the situation existing
in the society.

Learning and discerning the signs of the times in prayer, Father Raymond desired to begin a con-
gregation of sisters who would dedicate themselves to the service of the poor and bring the light of
education to them. He placed his desire before his Bishop Paul Perini SJ.
Father, I am deeply disturbed and distressed by the
situation around me...I have the desire to begin a
Congregation of Sisters... I speak as if in foolishness...

39
 Act if you have an inspiration to do so, making use of the opportunities you have.
These things have to commence from simple and unostentatious beginnings
and develop gradually.

What you may do by way of commencement could be to get a few of the

lady teachers to live in a house of their own and follow a simple rule of life,
then await further developments....

Fathe
bless r,
m e.

od
ay G .
y s on, M always..
M y ou
ble s s

40
 Strengthened with this encouragement Father Mascarenhas committed his project to the
Lord, prayed over it and waited for God to act...

Father Mascarenhas made his usual rounds of the parish to bless the homes during the Paschal season.
One particular day he happened to be in the home of Mr and Mrs Sebastian Mathias of Kadri who had
two grown up daughters.
How are yo
ur
daughters?
Isn't it time marriage.
for their h ar e no t interested in ligious;
Bot a re
to become
marriage? Flora wants ow where to join.
t kn
she doesn'

41
 What about Al
ice?
e is
tudies. Sh
c o m p le ted her s the Carmelite
Alice join
herself to
preparing on in Trivandrum.
Congregati

Because of the dowry and high qualification it

was not easy to enter the Congregation.

ted in teaching
Flora, if you are interes
bas tian School. I
you can join in St Se
per mis sio n for the same.
shall get the

In 1918 Flora joined as a teacher at St Sebastian's, Bendur.

42
 ious
to begin a relig
I have a desire girls like you...
r
Congregation fo

GIRL CHANGE
FROM PREVIOUS

interested in
Father I am I will pray
e.
this ventur s.
for its succes

Flora began to spend her time in prayer and to lead a life of mortification ...
It was a wonder for Alice..
ppened?
Sister, what ha in you..
I see a ch an ge

Fr Raymond
begin a new wants to
Congregatio religious
become a pan...I want to
am preparin rt of it...I
you... for this grea g myself
ill join t event...
I too w ot going to
I am n drum...
Trivan

43
 ...
celline Menezes
Flora, this is Mar Kallianpur ...from
in
She is teaching s she will join us...
next week onward

to
happy .
we are ou with us..
hav e y

s
after the clas
Every Friday th er fo r
toge
you will come ion.
ct
weekly instru
..
Father.
Alright

On every Friday all of them came together and received the spiritual and
religious instruction from Fr Raymond

Assistant vicar Fr Sylvester Menezes extended his support in all possible ways...
Father, Reg
Gertrude Gon ina
is interested salves
religious lif in also
e... Then let her .
ol
join the scho

All four of them spent their time in prayer and penance

44
On March 19, 1921, Fr Raymond bought half an acre of land adjacent
to the church along with a house and got it registered.

Having overcome all the hurdles on July 16, 1921, on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, all
the four candidates knelt before the statue of Our Lady, and offered themselves to God in the
presence of Rev Fr Raymond and Fr Sylvester Menezes.

ese your
her, protect th
O Blessed Mot u have entrusted to
yo
children whom , for the extension
in co nf id en ce
me ...
So n' s ki ngdom. Amen
of your

45
 I offer these dous sacri-
other: - O God, pted this tremen
Marceline's Mm you have chosen under Christ has accear ones to the service of theng
children who of Fr Raymond protect them fice of your de crifice of the parents in givi
the guidance ever close to you... Master...The san for his service will never go
and keep them up their childre
unrewarded...

Fr Raymond: - This house will be called BETHANY. You will learn the first lessons
of community life being in this small house...The new Institute will be called
THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF THE LITTLE FLOWER OF BETHANY.

46
 Bethany is the garden of Our Lady, and
I am only the gardener for the time-being.

Our Blessed Mother's faith

surrender Behold the
handmaid of the Lord will be
the inspiration and motto in the
service of God and neighbour.

The spirit of Bethany of

gospel fame will be an
inspiration to be active The missionary zeal and the spiritual
contemplatives in childhood of the Little Flower Jesus
your daily life. will be an example to be followed.
47
On August 5, 1921, on the feast of Our Lady of Snows, the sisters made their promises of the
evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity and obedience. As a reminder of a new way of life they changed
their baptismal names
ph
f St Jose
Martha o s)
Sr Mary elline Meneze of the Sacred
Heart
(Marc Sr Mary Clare Mathias)
(Flora
es of th e
Lourd
Sr Mary d Sacrament
Blesse Mathias)
(Alice
e of
Gertrud
Sr Mary Crucified
Jesus Gertrude
(Regina alves)
Gons

e
te each on
I consecra the Sacred
of you to sus.
e
Heart of J

Each sister received a typed copy of their new way of life

Father, there
food...epidem is no proper
everywhere... ic is spreading
what to do... . I don't know We will
Trust in God. eatment
ve the best tr
gi
possible.

48
Sisters are sick....criticism from outsiders....
..
hany. These sisters could
ferin g Bet o start ...? have chosen better
f t
at su need isters world careers...
Look here any ation of S
s t
wa a Cong re g
no
such ly poverty...
There is on . tuberculosis is
proper food... this the growth
is
spreading...
of Be th an y?

Death of sisters....weeping sisters

49
 hope... I am
These were my is Lord....
t ab le to be ar th
no
t m y wi ll.. .le t your will
yet no
be done....

-
n marve
e th a n y has growpread its
B ..It has s alore
llously....s all over Mang
bra n c h e
...
diocese even
Bethany is serving cese...
in the Be lga um dio

idst fire, will

What is grown am ... Bethany
ne
not die in sunshi
furnace of
has risen from the
pa in. ...
suffering and

50
When did B
et
come to Koz hany Sisters
hikode?

On September
10, 1938.

We are happ
y to
dear Rev Fr M welcome you
as
all the Bethan carenhas and
y Si
Michael's Wes sters to St
t Hill parish...

51
 Bethany's pres
even in Wayan ence is needed
Lourdes Convenad. We will start
of Bethany in t, a new branch
May 1949. Pallikinnu on
21

Sister I am going
the distance
to Kozhikode Father, what is ode and
between Ko zh ik
Mangalore ?

;
e exact distance
I don't know th sure, that I can
is
but one thing s while I travel
pray 15 Rosarie

52
 Father Mascarenhas' qualities invited the confidence of his superiors, namely his background, his
keen intellect, his perspective ability, his deep spirituality and his ardent missionary zeal.

On August 23, 1931, Father Mascarenhas was appointed the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese.
He worked relentlessly for the growth of the diocese.

The year 1933-34 was the HOLY YEAR JUBILEE for the Catholic Church. On 26 February 1934,
Father Mascarenhas along with a few other people and clergy undertook a pilgrimage to Rome and
visited the Holy Land. On 1 April 1934, Easter Sunday he attended the Canonization ceremony of
St John Bosco, for whom he had great veneration.

53
After his retirement from Vicar General Office, Father took up his residence
in a cottage on the Mother House grounds and served
the community as chaplain and director.

er spend
How did Fath cottage ?
e in th e
his tim

54
He turned to the world of writing. He translated the books from Latin to Konkani- liturgical
functions, novenas, devotional hymns, prayers and many other books. Among these the
important one is the New Testament in Konkani.

ve
Did Father lo
the children?
Surely...
Once

55
 are
Sister, we eet
going to m .
our Father.
O.K.....

These children
all sad...They ar are not at
be with Father e happy to
Founder...

m ving
fter the He is a lor...
e r looks a ren....
Fo u n d il d Fathe
own ch
as his

56
 Father...

n....How are
Hello, Childre ppened to Leo?
you? W ha t ha
so gloomy?
Why are you

Sister did no
us sweet potat give
to play with. toes

Sister said
potato is that sweet
n
to play wit ot a thing
h..
ow you go
children...N ...
Don't worry all speak to the sister
I sh
and play....

57
 give
Sister...please the
this letter to
superior... Yes Fa
ther...

e children
Please give to th ey are
ed ... .Th
what they ne
t gr ow ing up ... .
jus

58
 How caring
an
is Father Fo d loving
under !

In August 1955, Father Founder was made a DOMESTIC PRELATE by Pope Pius XXII.

59
Founders hollines......
Once while travelling in a bus....
care....
Please take gone....
ke is
the bra

Shouting...crying...the bus rammed into a tree..

please help...
save us....
help...

e safe....
O God, we ar ened to
nothing happ rs....
the passenge

60
 ho ite garment
eone w a man in wh
is som . that is T h e re is
T h e r e .. praying...
raying . sitting and
was p are saved..
w e
why

bless us
Father, please us...
and pr ay fo r

less
May God b
you...

61
Once Founder came to the convent and rang the bell many times...
Why is that nobody
is answering
the call bell ?

62
A sister passed by
is that
Sister, why answered
no on e ha s
ke
my call bell? pposed to ta
No one is su pt the one who is
your call, exce so....
do
appointed to
y child;
All right m superiors
r
obey you they have
and do as u...
bidden yo

In the great loneliness and desolation, he was stripped of everything... In the crucible of
suffering Founder was with the Lord on Calvary, drinking the chalice prepared for him alone...

63
 Father,
please pray fo
r us...

How many
children
have you?
I have three
of them is children. One
did not brin lame; hence I
g him.

When you come

next please ..
bring him too.

Next day...

is
Father, here
my son....

Bring him to m
e...

64
Praying...

After two days... k you;

Father, than ks...
my so n w al

65
On 26 April 1959 Mother Macrina was elected the Superior General of the Congregation..
Father bless
m
carry out the e...Help me to
re
entrusted to m sponsibility
e....

eart..
from my h
u g h te r, I bless you at you accept
My da nd th
I understa ..
from this ounder of Bethany.
e a s th e F
m

66
 On 29 February 1960 Diamond Jubilee of Founder's priesthood...

During Mass he was struck with a paralytic stroke.

They shifted him to the cottage....

67
 Bethany Sisters attended on him.....

On 20 December 1960, Founder called for Mother, Father is

Superior General Mother Macrina... saying about the
perpetual adoration..
n...
Adoratio

ill do
Father, we w ..
the ne ed fu l..

68
1960 December 22, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Fr Marian Castelino Praying with Founder pray
for us sinners now and at
the
hour of our death. Amen...

Early morning at December 23 at 3.45 am in the presence of Bethany Sisters

69
Mgr Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas commended his soul to the Lord, the Creator...

mond
Father Ray t...
is a sain for
He was a manly priest...
others... a ho

70
 ed close
w a n te d to be buri at is
Father ssed Mother... th
d for
to our Ble d a grave prepareo..
a
why he h e side of her grott
him by th But we are help
le
parishioners w ss...
an
him in the paris ted
h....

Let God's .
...
will be done

Founder's mortal remains were interred in the centre aisle of the church,
just below the communion railings which place was reserved for him....

71
Today we have an intercessor in heaven; not only for Bethany but for the entire world...
He wrote in his last will...
I will pray for
ea
to Jesus the fri ch one of you,
end of Bethan
and to Bl esse y
d Mother, the
Queen and Mot
her of Bethany.
...

Founder is a holy pri

es
we shall seek his int t... Rome has recognised Mgr
ercession...
Raymond Francis Camillus T
Mascarenhas as the SERVAN
OF GOD on 3 May 2008.

Let's pray that he be

raised to the honours
of the altar...

72
 All together: Thank you Jesus for Fr Raymond, a friend of the
children. Make us like him.

His mortal remains were shifted to the New Tomb On December 16, 2013

PRAYER
God our loving Father, we thank you for choosing your
servant Raymond to be your faithful priest, and the founder of
the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany.
His ardent devotion to the Eucharist, love for the Mother
Church, zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and his
compassionate love especially for the poor have borne
abundant fruit. Like him may we too in union with Mary, our
Mother, become bearers of the Good News.
We humbly implore you Father to grant us this special
request..... (Mention your request) through the intercession of
your beloved servant Raymond.
Deign O Lord, to grant your beloved servant the honours of
the altar for your greater glory and the spreading of the Gospel.
Amen.
Glory be........

73
 INSPIRING SAYINGS OF THE SERVANT OF
GOD RFC MASCARENHAS

- Do well whatever you do, do it for God and for God

alone and your life will be a continual canticle of praise
a continual Gloria Patri

- Some outward success may come your way but what

really counts is working solely for God, for his glory
and the salvation of souls.

- The merit of our work is not measured by the

greatness of the action but by the purity of our
intention.

- In doing good never seek applause from the world or

approbation from superiors and companions, but do it
solely and exclusively for God.

- When our soul is detached from the things of this

earth, we enjoy a peace which is very necessary for
prayer.

- God wants my love, my heart, my service. He wants

the first place in my heart.

- 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.

74
 BETHANY TODAY
Central Delegation 1
Number of Provinces 7
Number of Convents 180
Number of Bethany Sisters 1400
Number of Dioceses We Serve 56
(India - 47, Abroad 9)
A Bethany sister is a person consecrated to God. Imbibing the
spirit of our Founder. Bethany sisters give themselves for the mission of
Christ, and in the service of our neighbour through education, social
work, pastoral care, taking care of the elderly and neglected ones and
other ministries according to the signs of the times.
If you desire to belong to God by becoming a part of Bethany you
may contact :

Provincial Superior Provincial Superior Provincial Superior

Bethany Provincial House Bethany Provincial House Bethany Provincial House
St.Raymond's Convent St Thomas Town Post Maria Nivas
Vamanjoor Post Kacharkanahally 10th Cross Kalian Nagar
Mangaluru Bengaluru 560 084 Dharwad
D.K 575 028 Pho : 080 25490226 Karnataka 580 007
Ph : 0824 2262512 Ph : 0836 2749035

Provincial Superior Provincial Superior Provincial Superior

Bethany Provincial House Ish Kripa Bethany Convent
Chevayur Bethany Provincial House Kadru Road
Calicut Aryapuram Doranda Post
Kerala - 673 017 Opp I T I Ranchi District
Ph :0495 2355936 Karnal -132 001 Jharkhand 834 002
Ph : 0184 2269777

Provincial Superior, Bethany Provincial House,

Gorchuk Chariali Post, Kathabari Road, Guwahati, Assam 781 035
Ph 0361 - 2270383, 2270382
Life journey from ordinary to extraordinary is marked by the milestones in life and these
events become the stepping stones to sainthood. SPARKLING FLAME presents the life
sketch of Mgr Raymond, who lived according to the will of God. He was anointed as the
priest of God rose as the prophet.. became the founder of Bethany and the Servant of
GodHis eminent and valuable life is presented in a pictorial form in this book.

Mr R av
Y BS eend
ABLE ANTON member of ranat
the enti Raveendrana han PT
Mr
SR M Antony BS is a of the Little B e th a n re life of th than pictured
le rs
Sr Mab tion of the Siste author of the DEEPTH y in th e s e founder of
e C o ngrega ny. She is the HAJWALA FLAME AJWALA and to r y b o o k s
th DEEPT
of Betha ME Kozhiko. He hails fr SPARKLING
Flower story book ARKLING FLA D-
p ictu re and S P d th e C in Ar t at de. He comple om Vadakara,
yalam prepare s of Ar ts in Universal Ar ts ted his studies
in Mala sh. She has sing the song ted
in E n g li ,co m p ri tran sla career Kozhikode. School of Fine
JWALA She has She Michae as a drawing He began his
SNEHA and Founder. to Malayalam. el's
Be th a n y em in tM ic ha School,l's Girls' High master in S
any Anth er at S thill, Kerala, Westhill, Ker Secondaryt
the Beth g as a teach School, Wes from 19
is s e rv in on d a ry 93 onw ozhikode in
her Sec ards.
Girls' Higde in Kerala.
Kozh ik o

For copies : Bethany Generalate, P B No593, Mangalore

Ph : 0824-2218923