MISSION STATEMENT

We are dedicated to the work of furthering the knowledge of God our Father’s immense love for all humanity, given to mankind through Jesus Christ. This mission is both to Christians and non-believers and is vitally important in combating the sense of loneliness, dread and isolation felt by so many in our modern secularised world. We live as a community of brothers and friends, consecrated to Christ and doing, or trying to do, whatever work increases love and knowledge of His Kingdom. We are prepared to adapt to any necessary work, not being frightened to do even the least attractive tasks so long as we can witness to the love of Jesus. In this we see the great model of all Christians, Mary our mother, as the most inspiring example of faith and service, and so we try to imitate her in generous self-giving.

The mission of the 17 Religious of our Vice-Province is accomplished at two levels: within the specific works of the English Vice-Province and through the support given to the Missions of Thailand and India.

CURRENT WORKS OF THE ENGLISH VICE-PROVINCE

We are based in parishes at the moment, which is a large ministry in itself. However, from the 6 centres (mainly in the Midlands of England in or around Birmingham, with one 15 miles from Manchester, in the North-West of England) we are involved in, or support, hospital and school chaplaincies, welfare and reclamation ministry to prostitutes, retreat giving, and foreign missions. The Congregation’s work in India and Thailand are a special concern of the Vice-Province and we are also actively engaged in fund-raising for the support of vocations in these two places.

THE MISSION OF THE BETHARRAMITE RELIGIOUS IN THAILAND

The mission is located in two different areas.

In the North (Chiangmai, Chiangrai), it has been marked for almost 50 years by the ad gentes mission among the Karian and Akka hill tribes. The presence and activity of 12 Religious are an aid to the local clergy and, at the same time, a response to essential human needs: running of dispensaries and schools, centres of professional formation for the prevention of child- and youth prostitution.

In the South, at Sampran, near Bangkok, the Betharramite Religious welcome and accompany over 40 young boys in their religious and sacerdotal formation; 7 of these have already made their perpetual profession and are getting ready for their ordination to the priesthood.

THE MISSION OF THE BETHARRAMITE RELIGIOUS IN INDIA

Shobhana Shaakha (the Beautiful Branch) the newest of the Congregation’s works, is located in the heart of the Indian peninsula, in Bangalore.

It is a promising vocational centre welcoming a large number of candidates for Betharramite religious life. At the moment the community numbers: 1 religious priest, 2 professed, 5 novices and many postulants accompanied and supported by three European Religious.

Further Information

If you are interested in our work, would like to help or have a feeling that the Lord might be calling you to the Religious life, please e-mail at: holy.name@dial.pipex.com.uk

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/parade/ni23/

Address enquiries to Father Colin.