Kottayam: The Congregation of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC), also known as the Bethany Sisters, entered its centenary year with joyous celebrations. Marking this milestone, the congregation’s headquarters, Bethany Generalate, witnessed the inauguration of a centenary memorial by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
Founded in 1925 by Servant of God Mar Ivanios in Thiruvalla, Kerala, the Bethany Sisters are the first women’s religious congregation in the Malankara Church. Mar Ivanios firmly believed that spiritual renewal within the church could only be achieved through dedicated men and women.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Mar Ivanios established the congregation as a source of spiritual strength and renewal for the church. His historic reunification with the Catholic Church occurred on September 20, 1930. Following in the footsteps of the founder, the first ten members of the congregation reunited with the Catholic Church on September 22, 1930.
Today, the Bethany Sisters remain a vibrant force within the Malankara Church, with over 804 sisters serving across five provinces: Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvalla, Bathery, Pathanamthitta, and Muvattupuzha. Their dedication extends beyond India, with Bethany Sisters actively serving in Germany, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
The sisters contribute significantly to various sectors, playing an important role in education, healthcare, and social service. Their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to their faith have touched countless lives over the past century.
The centenary celebrations of the Bethany Sisters mark a momentous occasion for the Malankara Church and the wider community. As the congregation looks towards the future, one can only expect their service and dedication to continue, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and compassion for generations to come.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Cardinal Cleemis praised the Bethany Sisters for their commitment to the church and to the wider community. He said that the congregation is a shining example of the power of faith and dedication.
“The Bethany Sisters have been a source of inspiration and strength to the Malankara Church for over a century,” he said. “Their work in education, healthcare, and social service has touched the lives of countless people. I am confident that the congregation will continue to serve the church and the community with the same dedication and commitment in the years to come.”
The Bethany Sisters are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their centenary. They are committed to continuing their service to the church and the community for many years to come.
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