Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
Anjuna/Sancoale, Mar 26: The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), along with a multitude of devotees, gathered to celebrate the 51st death anniversary of their founder, Fr Faustino De Souza, in a two-part commemoration that bridged his earthly beginnings.
Though the anniversary was on March 26, the liturgical celebration was preponed to March 24, at St Michael’s Church, Anjuna. The sisters travelled from the four corners of the archdiocese of Goa along with the devotees, to the very place where Fr Faustino’s journey began.
The Eucharistic celebration, themed 'Orponn Mogachem Kirnn Bhorvanxeachem' (An offering of love, a ray of hope), was presided over by Fr Tony Fernandes, SFX, and concelebrated by Fr Jorge Fernandes and Fr Anthony Paul, SFX.
The event began with a poignant tribute to the past. Before the Eucharist commenced, a short film clipping on the life of Fr Faustino was screened, allowing the congregation to visualise the humble beginnings and the tireless mission of their founder.
In a stirring homily, Fr Tony reminded the congregation that Anjuna holds a rare crown in the archdiocese, having birthed two giants of faith: Ven Fr Agnelo and Fr Faustino.
"Without holiness, the life of a sister has no value," Fr Tony urged. "To be spiritual, one must first be deeply human".
Drawing a powerful parallel on the day’s liturgy, between the faith of Moses and the unwavering trust of Fr Faustino, the homily centered on a vibrant SFN identity. Fr Tony urged the sisters to rededicate their lives by making Jesus the absolute center of their life and mission. That it is Jesus who chose and called, to bear fruit. Without being rooted in him, the service that you render has no value, he remarked. The need to thank God for each member and work hand in hand together he advised and not alone.
He decoded the congregation’s identity as a roadmap for modern religious life:
• S - Spirituality: A call to holiness rooted in being good human beings.
• F - Family: Modelling every community after the Holy Family of Nazareth, making it a place love, understanding, concern, unity, peace, not duspott (division).
• N - Nazareth/Negative-to-Positive: The need to rule over the negativity currently facing religious societies with a positive, united mind.
"We often go to a museum to look at 'antique things' from a distance," Fr Tony observed. But for you it is not for looking at "antique things" of the past of past members, but for finding what is relevant now. He challenged the sisters to move forward not as individuals, but by 'holding the hands of each other', stressing that quality of life far outweighs the number of members.
Superior general Sr Berna Rodrigues proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone. After the eucharist, the event also marked the official release of the congregation’s magazine, 'Savera'.
On March 26, at the SFN Headquarters in Sancoale, in a solemn and intimate ceremony, the sisters along with boarders gathered at the bust of Fr Faustino. Where the bust was garlanded, honouring the enduring life of the rich legacy and patrimony he left behind, a mission originally sparked to uplift women, the poor, the destitute, and the youth.