Recently, the Motherhouse dining room formerly designated as the Sisters’ Dining Room was renamed Bethany Dining Room. Perhaps you are wondering why this name was chosen. A few decades ago, when the refurbishing of first floor areas in the Motherhouse was taking place, there was a need to name the rooms where Sisters, coworkers and guests were invited to eat. It was decided to use the names of places in Scripture where Jesus ate with his friends and disciples.

Cana Hall (John 2:1–12) – Jesus, his mother and his disciples were invited to a wedding feast in Cana, a town near Nazareth. It was at this meal that Jesus turned water into wine.

Zaccheus Dining Room (Luke 19: 1-10) – Jesus approached Zaccheus, a despised tax collector looked down upon by his neighbors, that He might come to dine with him and his family, and as a result Zaccheus’ whole household became followers of Jesus.

Bethany Dining Room Luke (10:38–42) – The siblings, Martha, Mary and Lazarus often invited their close friend, Jesus to their home in Bethany to rest, relax and dine with them.

Cenacle Dining Room Mark (14:22–24) – On the night of His last supper before his death, Jesus gathered with his disciples in the upper room, the Cenacle, to eat the Jewish Passover meal with them.

Emmaus Dining Room Luke (24:28-35) – After Jesus’ death, two of His heart-broken disciples returning from Jerusalem were accompanied by a stranger whom they finally recognized as the resurrected Jesus when he broke bread with them in the town of Emmaus.