Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
Goa, Jun 15: On June 16th, a significant milestone “seeds of grace, resonating hope” will be celebrated as the Holy Family Sisters commemorate their 90th Foundation Day. This momentous occasion marks nine decades since the congregation’s inception, a journey set in motion by the vision and unwavering dedication of their esteemed founder, Fr Faustino de Souza. As Holy Family Sisters reflect on this remarkable anniversary, they delve into the rich history, enduring spirit, and profound impact of the congregation, whose mission of service and compassion has touched countless lives over nearly a century.
Historical context: Seeds of a new beginning
The Archdiocese of Goa had a rich history of religious orders until 1833, when King Dom Pedro of Portugal suppressed all religious institutes in his dominion, including the colonies. This ban, lasting nearly a century, ushered in a “Dark Age” for the Church in Goa, significantly impacting its religious and social fabric by creating a void in essential services. The rise of Salazar and the “Estado Novo” in Portugal changed this environment, allowing for the resurgence of religious life. Fr Faustino’s initiative to establish a new order directly responded to this historical disruption, aiming to restore vital services to the Goan community.
Fr Faustino’s vision for an indigenous congregation
Fr Faustino keenly observed that Goans called to religious life had to join orders outside Goa. This fuelled his conviction that an indigenous religious order, rooted in local soil, was urgently needed. This aspiration remained a cherished project close to his heart, driven by a deep desire to provide opportunities for religious within Goa’s cultural context.
Initial steps towards realization
As a dedicated diocesan priest, Fr Faustino, serving at Our Lady of Snow Church, Raia and later as pastor of Sancoale parish, recognized the shifting political climate under Salazar as an opportune moment. His initial efforts involved in founding the First Congregation and bringing Franciscan Brothers to Duler in 1928. He then sought authorization from Archbishop Patriarch Dom Theotonio Vieira de Castro. Encouraged, he reached out to the Bethany Sisters of Mangaluru, requesting their assistance in training the initial candidates. His request received a positive response, paving the way for the new religious order. Fr Faustino’s strategic approach, involving ecclesiastical approval and collaboration with an established order, demonstrated his foresight and resolve in overcoming historical challenges.
The founding of the Holy Family Sisters: First candidates and their training
The foundational step involved sending the first aspirants to Mangalore for formation on 9 March 1933. Three dedicated young women - Sr Estelita Coutinho (later Mother Josephine), Sr Abelina Braganza (Mother Joana), and Sr Sabina D’Souza (Mother Nativity) - began this journey under the Bethany Sisters. A fourth, Sr Assuciana Silveira (Mother Edith), soon joined them. After a year of intensive training in Mangalore, these first sisters returned to Goa to continue their novitiate. The Bethany Sisters generously supported this by continuing formation in Goa, utilizing St Joseph Vaz’s ancestral house in Sancoale. This reliance on the Bethany Sisters for initial training underscored the supportive relationships within the religious community, providing a crucial spiritual and practical foundation.
Official establishment of the congregation, a new congregation is born
Fr Faustino’s vision and the dedication of these first sisters culminated on June 16, 1935, with the official founding of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, as the first candidates professed their vows. This date marks the formal birth of the religious order in Goa. Mother Joana led the nascent congregation as its First Superior, signifying the realization of Fr Faustino’s long-cherished aspiration for an indigenous religious order for women in Goa.
Canonical erection
While founded in 1935, the congregation's formal recognition by the Catholic Church came later. On March 25, 1952, Patriarch Dom Jose de Costa Nunes canonically erected this pious union as a religious congregation, granting it formal status and legitimacy. Subsequently, on August 20 of the same year, the Patriarch approved the congregation’s Constitutions, outlining its guiding principles. These Constitutions underwent revisions in 1971, 1978, and again after the 1983 Code of Canon Law, demonstrating the congregation’s commitment to aligning with Church law and adapting to contemporary contexts. The 1952 canonical erection was a significant milestone, signifying the Church’s official endorsement of the Holy Family Sisters.
Charism, mission, and activities of the Holy Family Sisters
The fundamental charism animating the Holy Family Sisters of Nazareth is “to share the providential love of God by serving the poor and needy.” This core principle underscores their unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable in society, mirroring their founder, Fr. Faustino, who embodied the spirit of a “missionary of hope” for the marginalized. This charism reflects a profound dedication to social justice and the Christian imperative to care for the less fortunate, forming the essence of their identity.
Mission and objectives
The Holy Family Sisters’ multifaceted mission encompasses liberating individuals from ignorance, error, superstition, oppression, and both temporal and spiritual misery. A central objective is to disseminate the Good News of Christ, collaborating with the local Church in evangelization, Christian doctrine, and general religious formation. They are dedicated to the holistic development of individuals on the margins of society, addressing diverse needs. This comprehensive approach addresses both spiritual and social well-being, empowering individuals and communities by tackling fundamental causes of challenges.
Diverse activities and ministries
To realize their charism and mission, the Holy Family Sisters engage in a wide array of activities. They are actively involved in formal and non-formal education, operating schools and programs. Their pastoral work includes catechetical instruction and spiritual guidance within parishes. Social work forms a significant part of their outreach. They manage boarding houses for students and homes for the aged. Recognizing vulnerability, they work towards the rehabilitation of children of sex workers and the empowerment of women and youth. Echoing Fr. Faustino’s initiatives, they encourage self-help industries to foster economic independence. Specific examples include Asha Sadan (eradicating flesh trade, empowering marginalized women) and Kiran Niketan, Divya Gyan, and Nazareth Jeevandhara (education, healthcare, and skill development, etc). Prison Ministry is yet another ministry that the congregation undertakes demonstrating their commitment to serving those incarcerated.Their commitment extends to collaborating with the broader Church, as seen in their involvement in diocesan activities at Lar in Panjim. The breadth of these activities underscores their comprehensive approach to serving the community, mirroring Fr Faustino’s diverse engagements and reflecting a deep understanding of the multifaceted needs of the people they serve.
Growth and expansion: Spreading the mission within and beyond Goa
Presence in Goa
The Holy Family Sister’ influence is deeply felt throughout Goa, with their convents and institutions strategically covering numerous locations including Sancoale, Navelim, St. Estevam, Agasaim, Verna, Anjuna, Cansaulim, Sarfona, Old Goa, Velsao, Canacona, Calangute, Seraulim, Birla, Vasco, Corgao, Bambolim, Usgao, Sanguem, Panjim, and served in other villages. This widespread presence indicates their significant and far-reaching impact on Goa’s religious and social landscape, with a deliberate effort to be accessible and address diverse community needs.
Expansion to other states
The Holy Family Sisters’ mission has transcended Goa’s geographical boundaries, extending service to several other Indian states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. A notable example is their 25 years of dedicated service in Uchagaon, Karnataka. This expansion demonstrates the growing influence and appeal of the congregation’s charism and mission, successfully extending Fr Faustino’s initial vision to wider geographical areas and diverse populations.
Key milestones in growth
The Holy Family Sisters’ history is marked by numerous significant milestones. They celebrated the 70th anniversary of their canonical erection and, in 2021, elected their ninth Superior General, signifying leadership continuity. The regular profession of perpetual vows by new members powerfully indicates the congregation’s continued growth and unwavering commitment to their religious life and service. These milestones collectively illustrate the sustained vitality and resilience of the Holy Family Sisters, demonstrating the enduring strength of their foundational principles and their unwavering dedication to their mission.
Committed to legacy of compassion
As the Holy Family Sisters mark their momentous 90th anniversary, their journey stands as a powerful witness to unwavering faith and selfless service. What began as humble beginnings, nurtured by profound dedication, has blossomed into a legacy of compassion that continues to touch countless lives. Looking back, they see the profound impact of their tireless efforts, evidence to the “seeds of grace resonating hope” that were sown nine decades ago. Looking forward, the sisters remain a beacon of light, their mission as vital and urgent today as it was at their founding. May their inspiring work continue to flourish, carrying forward the spirit of the Holy Family for generations to come, as they continue to spread grace and hope throughout the world.