Sr Molly Fernandes sfn

Sancoale, Goa, Nov 25: The Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN) marked a significant milestone with a resonant triple celebration, commemorating the 132nd birth anniversary of their founder, Fr Faustino de Souza, alongside Boarders’ Day and Communication Day. The entire event was a powerful manifestation of the Founder’s deep spiritual force and enduring legacy.
Spiritual force and morning dedication

The day was steeped in spiritual significance, beginning with a heartfelt prayer service. The theme “awakening hope with gentle whispers” highlighted the profound spirituality of Fr Faustino. The core values emanating from his life were emphasized: deep spirituality, compassionate service, inspiring leadership, truthful and soothing words, humility and silence, and selfless dedication.

The early morning also saw a cultural release, adding resonance to the celebration: the debut song Padri Faustino, composed by Sr Freeda Fernandes sfn, was released on YouTube.

The Eucharist

The afternoon was graced by a solemn Eucharist, presided over by Fr Rex Fernandes sfx and con-celebrated by Fr Blaise – Goa diocese youth director, and Frs. Adrian, Shally, and Fredrick from the Pilar Society. The Mass brought together a large gathering, including family members, parishioners, and boarders.

The celebrant’s homily was a cornerstone of the celebration, focusing on Fr Faustino’s spiritual resilience. He shared episodes from the Founder’s life, showing how Fr Faustino awakened hope in the faithful and overcame uncertainties in silence with complete trust in Divine Providence.

The celebrant particularly noted the founder’s heroic actions during times of epidemics and diseases. In these crises, Fr Faustino manifested truly Christ-like traits, becoming “another Christ to the people”. He urged and inspired the sisters to embody this same spirit of compassionate service, reminding them that the Congregation’s central aim is to lift the poor and serve the most vulnerable, which they performed though the disease being contagious as Faustino administered the last rites.

After the Eucharist, the priest and the founder’s committee members present were honoured in appreciation through potted plants.

Culmination

The evening served as the physical culmination of the day’s spiritual and community focus. The founder was deeply honoured through the garlanding of his bust by a boarder, and a short speech on the day’s triple celebration ending with the distribution of special sweet ‘ghodde’

Following a short programme featuring dance performances by the boarders, and composition of songs sung by formees, and sisters. The triple celebration culminated with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony. The cake was cut by sisters representing the communities that serve the boarders and the communication centre, in the gracious presence of the superior general and animators. Everyone presents went home with memories to cherish. The entire gathering concluded the day on a heartfelt thanksgiving note, celebrating a spiritual foundation that continues to inspire compassionate service.