The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross commemorated the 200th birth anniversary of their Co-Foundress, Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, with a solemn celebration held at Asha Bhavan, Tivim, Goa, on October 18, 2025.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Francisco Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Christopher Church, Thivim, with Fr. Jason Coutinho, OCD, and Fr. Stany Pinto, OCD, as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr. Francisco Fernandes invited the faithful and the Sisters to emulate the virtues that defined the life of Blessed Maria Theresa: love, humility, and service. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of Mother Maria Theresa, describing her as “a woman who saw the face of Christ in the poor, the sick, and the suffering.”
Reflecting on the humble beginnings of many saints, he noted, “Many saints started with nothing, yet their lives became fruitful because they were rooted in the love of Christ. Like dry trees that blossomed, they offered shelter and hope to others.”
Connecting the celebration with the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, Fr. Fernandes observed that both St. Luke and Blessed Maria Theresa embodied the same spirit of mercy: “Like St. Luke, Blessed Maria Theresa healed not only bodies but hearts. Both remind us that holiness is lived through mercy.”
He reminded the congregation that every Christian is called to serve in love and compassion: “Whatever your vocation, priest, religious, doctor, teacher, or layperson, you are called to be a missionary of love and mercy.” Urging the faithful to make mercy the hallmark of their Christian witness, he said, “See Christ in every suffering face. If the love of Christ does not urge us, we cannot truly serve.”
Sr. Marshan Rodrigues, Superior of Asha Bhavan, warmly welcomed the gathering, while Sr. Rekha led the liturgical singing. A short cultural programme followed the Eucharist, depicting the life and mission of the Co-Foundress, Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer.
A Life Poured Out in Mercy
Born Anna Maria Cathrine on October 31, 1825, in Meggen, Switzerland, the “Sunny Child of Meggen” displayed deep compassion for the sick and an early inclination to religious life. In 1845, she joined the teaching sisters founded by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, later directing a hospital in Chur and serving the poor and orphaned with great tenderness.
Moved by the growing needs of the time, she co-founded the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in 1856, and as Mother General for 31 years, she guided the congregation through trials and growth, founding hospitals, schools, and homes for the marginalized.
Today, more than 2,600 Sisters across 18 countries continue her mission with unwavering dedication, living out her legacy of mercy, service, and faith-filled compassion.
(Br. John Malvino Alfonso, OCD, is a member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, based at Avila Jyothi, Mapusa, Goa, India.)
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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