By Sr Molly Fernandes sfn
Sancoale, Nov 13: A vibrant celebration of creativity, hope, and inspiration unfolded at the Holy Family Multipurpose Hall, Sancoale, on November 13, 2025, as the Holy Family Communication Centre hosted its Annual Day function, HOFCOM Frames 1.0. The event was organized under the exceptional leadership of directress Sr Molly Fernandes sfn and her dedicated team led by gentle whispers from the Lord to organise and execute the event flawlessly.
Inauguration and Welcomes
The program commenced on a serene note with a graceful welcome prayer dance presented by the students of St Joseph Vaz High School, Sancoale. This dance was specially choreographed on the theme song, “Whispers of Hope”, setting a spiritual and inspiring tone for the day. Following the performance, the dignitaries were given a traditional floral welcome and a warm Welcome Speech was delivered to officially open the event.
The day was graced by esteemed guests who were welcomed with thoughtful gifts of potted plants and presented with tokens of appreciation.
• Chief Guest: Fr Kinsley D’Cruz
• Guest of Honour: Desmond Gonsalves
• Superior General: Sr Berna Rodrigues
• Judges (Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Don Bosco College, Panjim): Sr Catherine Prisilda, Archie Fernandes, and Christal Ferrao
Release of Savera Magazine
A significant feature of the Annual Day was the official release of the Savera magazine, themed “Seeds of Grace, Nurturing Hope”. This important publication was formally unveiled and released at the hands of the chief guest, Fr Kinsley D’Cruz, and the guest of honour, Desmond Gonsalves, in the presence of the dignitaries and the august gathering.
Chief guest’s message
In his address, the chief guest, Fr Kinsley D’Cruz, delivered a profound and heartening message, focusing on identity and connection. He emphasized the vital importance of self-knowledge, stating, “We need to know who and what we are”. He then compared the human heart to a navigational instrument, urging everyone to have the “compass of our heart facing the North...yes, we should know the North Star of our life”. He connected this internal guidance to external relationships, stressing the need to “connect to each other,” and clarifying the means: “We connect each other with love”. This message amplified the day’s theme by urging the audience to guide their lives with love and purpose.
Competition Highlights: Awakening Hope with Gentle Whispers
The core of HOFCOM Frames 1.0 was a series of engaging competitions held for the institutions under the Holy Family Nazareth Educational Society, encompassing students from pre-primary to secondary schools, Social Centres, Boarding, and Formees. All activities revolved around the central theme: “Awakening Hope with Gentle Whispers”.
The on-stage competitions included a Pre-primary Action Song (2 minutes, 3 participants) in English or Konknni. The Primary section participated in a Fancy Dress Competition (2 minutes, 1 participant) on the theme, “Personalities Who Brought Hope to the Hopeless”. For Middle School, the event was a Poem Recitation Competition (2 minutes, 1 participant) requiring an original poem on the central theme. The High School students took part in Video Production (1 minute, 2 participants) focusing on the theme: “Awakening Hope with Gentle Whispers: The Legacy of Fr. Faustino”, requiring original, student-created MP4 content in English. Finally, the Formees participated in an Elocution (3–4 minutes, 1 participant) on how they, inspired by the life and mission of Fr. Founder, will awaken hope in the hearts of others today.
The Off-Stage ‘Prepare and Bring’ competitions featured artistic expression on the same overarching theme. The Social Centres created a painting of the Founder’s Face on a jute bag (14" x 12") using fabric or acrylic paints (2 participants). The Big Boarders showcased their talent through Glass Bottle Painting on the theme, “Awakening Hope with Gentle Whispers”, using glass or acrylic paints on a clean glass bottle (2 participants). Lastly, the Small Boarders collaborated on the ‘Sky of Whispers’ Art (2 participants) which involved creating cloud-shaped artwork with gentle messages of kindness, faith, and hope on a flat surface like chart paper or cardboard.
Atmosphere, Prizes and Conclusion
The entire program was skillfully anchored by Sr Francilla sfn, who ensured a smooth and engaging flow of events.
The captivating décor and the specially designated selfie spot were something the audience went away with, as they provided the perfect backdrop for capturing and sharing joyful memories of the inspiring event.
A significant part of the culmination was the prize distribution ceremony, where gleaming trophies and certificates were presented to the deserving students across all categories, recognizing their hard work and creativity in embodying the theme of hope.
The formal proceedings concluded with a sincere vote of thanks delivered by Sr Vincita sfn.
The event culminated in a wonderful surprise for the children: a celebration of Children’s Day. The students excitedly gathered to cut the Children’s Day cake and enjoy a mouthful of the treat, ending the day on a joyful and sweet note.
The prestigious overall trophy for the HOFCOM Frames 1.0 competitions was awarded to Perpetual Succour Convent High School for their outstanding performance.