Sr Molly Fernandes sfn
Goa, Apr 25: The Holy Family Sisters marked a significant moment with the initiation of public devotion to their beloved founder, Fr Faustino de Souza on April 24. The Eucharistic celebration held at their headquarters served as the beautiful commencement of efforts to seek official recognition for his holiness and to encourage spiritual favours through his powerful intercession. This special Mass brought together the sisters, their families, cherished parents, and the young boarders entrusted to their care.
Presiding over the Mass, centred on the inspiring theme "Like Fr Faustino, let us live in holiness and hope," was Fr Peter Fernandes sfx. In his heartfelt homily, Fr Peter eloquently illuminated the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Fr Faustino. He highlighted how Fr Faustino drew spiritual strength and inspiration from the examples of St Francis Xavier and his own spiritual director and fellow villager, Fr Agnelo de Souza. Fr Peter's reflections painted a vivid picture of Fr Faustino's deep spiritual journey and the lasting impact he had on the community he served so faithfully.
Fr Fernandes also emphasized Fr Faustino's pivotal and divinely inspired role in the very foundation of the Holy Family Sisters. He recounted how, following his transfer to this village, Fr Faustino recognized a profound need and, believing that only individuals touched by holiness are chosen for such enduring works, he embarked on a path to establish the congregation years before its formal inception. Fr Fernandes shared the inspiring story of Fr Faustino's connection with the Bethany Sisters in Mangalore, through whom he sent young women for religious formation – a crucial step that ultimately led to the flourishing of the Holy Family Sisters.
Following the sacred liturgy, all present gathered with united hearts at the bust of Fr Faustino to seek favours through his intercession. The dedicated prayer, specifically composed to invoke his intercession, released on his 50th death anniversary by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, was recited in unison, symbolizing the collective faith and the earnest desire for spiritual graces through his heavenly assistance. The devotional atmosphere was further enriched by a moving candle-lighting ceremony, where parents, sisters, and boarders each offered their personal prayer requests, entrusting their needs and intentions to Fr Faustino's loving care.
The programme continued with heartfelt expressions of devotion and remembrance. A sister bravely shared her powerful personal testimony of receiving significant spiritual favours through Fr Faustino's intercession, including an instantaneous miracle granted on the 50th anniversary of his death at St Michael’s Church in Anjuna – a profound event witnessed by many presents, further attesting to his powerful connection with God. Two beautiful songs, composed by Sr Myra Mendes and sung with devotion by her and the candidates, echoed the enduring impact of Fr Faustino's spiritual life and vision. A graceful welcome prayer dance also formed part of the programme, embodying the joy and hope that this new chapter brings. The guest of honour, Fr Peter Fernandes, was presented with a potted plant as a token of heartfelt gratitude.
This day was truly imbued with a deep spiritual fervour, as the congregation united in honouring their Founder and formally commencing the public devotion to him. This memorable celebration serves as a foundational cornerstone in the Holy Family Sisters' efforts to advance the cause of Fr Faustino's recognition and to inspire countless hearts to seek his intercession, drawing strength and guidance from his remarkable life of holiness and service. Sr Myra Mendes proposed the vote of thanks while Sr Valentina Vaz compered the short piece of entertainment.