Report: Sr Molly Fernandes SFN

Sancoale, Dec 29: The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Congregation, along with the Church, collaborators, and benefactors, celebrated the feast of their patron, the Holy Family, on December 29. Spread across Goa and India, the sisters, fondly known as the Sancoale Sisters, are dedicated to spreading the Kingdom of God through various apostolates. Their headquarters are located in Sancoale, Goa.

At the headquarters, Fr Kenneth Teles, parish priest of Our Lady of Good Health Church, Sancoale, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. He emphasized the virtues of silence, faith, and trust in God, referencing the obedience of Jesus when he returned with his parents to Nazareth after remaining in the Temple. Fr Teles urged the sisters to be living witnesses of Christian values, highlighting the need for consistency between one’s actions and proclamations.

Reflecting on leadership, Fr Teles advised executing it with compassion and understanding, avoiding authoritarian approaches. He reminded those present that respecting and nurturing others’ freedom is the greatest gift we can offer. He encouraged trust in God, as exemplified by Mary and Joseph.

The congregation renewed their vows during the Eucharist, reaffirming their commitment to the Lord. Fr Teles delivered a message that resonated with everyone present, including parents, spouses, children, and the religious.

The feast of the Holy Family offers an opportunity to reflect on the mystery and challenges of family life. St Luke's Gospel describes a moment of family conflict when Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus was missing during their return journey. This narrative symbolizes the trials every family and community encounter. Mary’s care and concern for Jesus serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing conflicts with love and understanding.

Family, ordained by God, plays a central role in our lives. Parents have a sacred duty to raise their children with love, provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and guide them to be law-abiding citizens. The virtues of the Holy Family—adoration, joy, thanksgiving, faith, humility, and love—remain an example for all families.

Mary's prayer, “May it be done to me according to your word,” and Jesus' prayer, “Not my will but yours be done,” reflect the Holy Family's unwavering trust in God. Parents are urged to emulate Mary and Joseph, serving as role models for their children.

The Holy Family exemplifies the quality of relationships imbued with the love of God, serving as a model of faithfulness, sacrifice, humility, and communion. Their love for God strengthened their love for one another.

On this occasion, the sisters expressed gratitude for God’s unconditional love, success, and protection over their congregation. They reaffirmed their mission to continue spreading the message of hope and serving as pilgrims, inspired by the examples of St Francis Xavier and St Joseph Vaz.

The report concluded with a prayer:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

The Holy Family remains a timeless symbol of faith and love, urging all to emulate their virtues in family and community life.