Bethany Madhom

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC) or Bethany Madhom is a congregation in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. It was founded by the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios on 01 May 1925 in the Malankara Church.^[1] The whole congregation re-united with the Catholic Church in 1930 following the reunion movement.

History

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Imitation of the Christ was founded by His Grace Mar Ivanios in 1925 in the Malankara Church. “Sanyasam”, the idea of dedicated life for women was unknown till then in the Malankara Church. The Congregation gives importance to liturgical life as a life of prayer and contemplation.^[2]

Reunion Movement

With the founder, the whole Congregation of 10 members of the Community re-united with the Catholic Church in 1930. Bethany Madom, an active Congregation lays emphasis on liturgical life, as a life of prayer and contemplation. The spiritual upliftment of the Malankara Catholic Church is the primary objective of the Congregation.^[3]

Growth

The Congregation was given Pontifical Status in 1956. Since the re-union, the Congregation is growing rapidly. There are five Provinces namely Trivandrum, Tiruvalla, Bathery, Pathanamthitta, and Muvattupuzha under one Mother General. There are more than 840 Sisters, 6 Novices and about 45 Candidates in the Congregation. The Sisters are working in India and abroad. The Generalate is in Kottayam.

The spiritual development of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is the primary motive of the Congregation.

External links