By Sr Molly Fernandes SFN

Navelim, Apr 25: The bells of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, rang out with a special resonance on April 25. The Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), Sancoale, gathered in deep joy to celebrate the silver jubilee of Sisters Angela, Luiza, Gracy, and Gilda. It was a day of renewed vigour, marking twenty-five years of lives offered as a living sacrifice to the Divine Master and Lord. The liturgy was surrounded around the theme: Moga sevechem Jivit – Dhinvasnnechem Git.

The thanksgiving liturgy was presided over by Fr Romeo Monteiro, chancellor of the Goa archdiocese, joined by a grand assembly of 22 concelebrating priests. The atmosphere was set by the choir of Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim, whose melodic harmonies led the congregation in a graceful participation of the celebration.

Before the Mass, Sr Aroline shared the personal histories of the four jubilarians, painting a vivid picture of their 25-year journey from their initial Yes to this moment of silver grace.

As the Church celebrated the feast of St Mark the Evangelist, parish priest Fr Gabriel Coutinho delivered a stirring homily, weaving the sisters’ vocation into the fabric of the Gospel. He focused on the mandatory command Jesus gave before His Ascension:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”. (Mark 16:15)

Fr Coutinho emphasized that this faith was first received in the cradle of the family, lived and nurtured among the siblings. After joining the congregation, this faith was watered and grew strong, allowing the sisters to proclaim Christ across different states and through their various works and apostolates, be it teaching, pastoral, etc.

He placed their service in the historical lineage where God send emissaries to Goa, to fulfil His divine plan:

• 16th Century: St Francis Xavier
• 17th Century: St Joseph Vaz
• 19th Century: Their founder, Fr Faustino de Souza, who answered the call in his own time to spread the Kingdom.

Drawing from the Gospel of John, Fr Coutinho reminded the sisters that their vocation was not of their own making:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last”. (John 15:16)

For 25 years, they have been witnesses of faith, touching countless lives through their apostolates and teaching across various states. “You have not wasted your time”, he assured them, “for you have been instruments in the hands of God”. And God was with you fulfilling his mission through you.

He urged them to ensure their fruit was good and not rotten, noting that faith has no value if kept to oneself. Like St Mark, who laboured silently alongside Peter and Paul, the sisters have been witnesses of faith, even to those they do not know personally.

He reminded them that to follow Christ is to embrace the cost of discipleship:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. (Matthew 16:24)

To illustrate this radical faithfulness, Fr Coutinho shared the story behind the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”. He told of a family in Assam who faced martyrdom. Even as his children and wife were killed, the father stood his ground, declaring, “The world behind me, the cross before me; I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back”. This singular witness eventually led his entire tribe to Christ.

As the sisters renewed their commitment through the profession of evangelical vows, the congregation was reminded of God’s overarching promise:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Sr Gilda, expressing gratitude to the clergy, the choir, and the faithful. After the soul-stirring liturgy, the jubilarians were showered with wishes while the superior general Sr Berna Rodrigues, presented the bouquet of flowers to each of the jubilarians. The evening ended with a warm informal social gathering over snacks, as friends and family captured the memories through photography—celebrating four lives that have truly become instruments in the hands of God.