Sr Molly Fernandes sfn

Sancoale, Dec 28: The Holy Family Sisters of Goa celebrated their patron feast on December 28 at the Holy Family Chapel, Sancoale. The Eucharistic celebration, held at the Congregation’s Headquarters, was a deeply spiritual and joyous occasion centered on the theme: “Povitr Kuttumb: Bhorvaxean Jiyeunk Sfurthi” (Holy Family: An Inspiration to Live in Hope).

The celebration was enriched by a soulful choir that led the congregation in active participation. During the service, the Holy Family Sisters reached a poignant moment as they renewed their vows, reaffirming their commitment to follow Christ and serve the Church.

The Eucharistic celebration

The Solemn High Mass was presided over by Fr Kenneth Teles, episcopal vicar for South Goa and parish priest of Sancoale. He was joined by Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace. The liturgy was attended by family members, neighbours, villagers, lay collaborators, benefactors, and friends, all of whom added to the beauty of the celebration.

During the service, the sisters solemnly renewed their vows and commitment, pledging to continue their mission as followers of Christ.

Homily highlights: A blueprint for spiritual life

In a profound and comprehensive homily, Fr Kenneth Teles linked salvation history to the practicalities of modern religious and family life.

1. The crown of creation and human frailty - Fr Kenneth traced the origins of family life from Genesis - Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah, Moses and people of Israel —culminating in the Holy Family as the center of faith. Citing Psalm 104, he reminded the faithful that man is like “grass that flowers in the morning and ends in the evening”. Yet, it is through the Holy Spirit that God cares for man, creates, and “renews the face of the earth”.

2. The mission of the “Local Church” He described the family and community as the “local church,” which must be built on:

• Understanding and calmness: Cultivating a spirit of quietness and gratitude.

• Kindness in adversity: He emphasized showing kindness even to those who hurt you—noting it is “easy to preach but hard to practice”.

• Mutual support: He urged to provide support not just for the sake of the person, but for the sake of the Lord.

3. Love and community unity Quoting Pope Francis, he stated that “community life is the pulse of the Church”. The Stable Metaphor: He used the image of cattle in a stable; though they may “horn” each other (experience differences and hardships), they must remain together. To “touch your cheek to the other” despite difficulties is a true witness of God’s love.

4. The pinnacle of silence and contemplation - Fr Kenneth focused heavily on the need for silence, meditation, and contemplation.

• He connected this to the “99th step” of formation, noting that the years of priestly (14 years) and religious (6 to 7 years) formation are meant to master this silence.

• He clarified that true silence is not just an absence of noise, but a silence of the heart and mind that removes distractions. Without this “pinnacle of silence,” one weakens and deviates from true contemplation.

5. Charity, service, and obedience

• Love in service: While praising the sisters for their excellent service, he reminded them that love must be the soul of that service.

• Scripture and prayer: He emphasized the daily use of Scriptures and the Rosary as a meditation on the life of Jesus.

• Obedience: Highlighting the hierarchy of the Church, he pointed out that Jesus, though the Son of God, remained obedient to Joseph and Mary. He called on the Sisters to emulate this by obeying their superiors and respecting authority.

• Faith in adversity: He concluded by reflecting on how Mary and Joseph lived the will of God through faith in difficult times.

Fellowship and celebrations

The spiritual strength of the Mass flowed into a vibrant social gathering:

• Gratitude: The choir facilitated prayerful participation. Sr Armida expressed words of thanks to all present, and Sr Valentine invited the dignitaries to receive tokens of appreciation.

• Tradition: The joy of the feast was marked by the cutting of a festive cake.

• Agape: Assistant parish priests Fr Peter Britto and Fr Christopher joined the gathering for the Agape (community meal).

• Joyful conclusion: Sr Valentine conducted games for the guests, and winners were awarded prizes. Fr Christopher blessed the food, and the day ended with the community carrying home happy memories and a renewed spirit.

Fr Kenneth before the final blessings, thanked the sisters for the continuous support and service rendered to the parish and for the prayerful support mentioning the elderly sisters concern and the sisters being available in the name of him, His assistants and brother.