The Society of the Helpers of Mary celebrated 50 years of dedicated service at Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, Goa, southwest India, on January 23, 2026. The joyful occasion also marked 50 years of Religious Profession of Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM, making it a twin jubilee of grace, gratitude, and committed service.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman presided over the solemn Eucharistic Celebration. Concelebrating the Eucharist were Fr. Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Society of Pilar; Fr. Mario Pereira SFX, Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Rivona; Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM Cap, President of CRI (Goa Unit); Fr. Romeo D’Silva SFX, Dean of Sanguem Deanery; along with several other priests.
Jubilee - a Sacred Time of Thanksgiving
Delivering the homily on the theme, “Celebrating golden years of grace, gratitude and service,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the twin jubilee as a journey shaped by God’s grace and sustained by faithful service. Drawing inspiration from the motto of the Society of the Helpers of Mary, “Live for Love,” the Archbishop described the jubilee as a celebration of fifty years of the Sisters’ presence and ministry in the parish, deanery, and archdiocese, alongside the steadfast consecrated life of Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM.
Cardinal Ferrão illustrated this call to self-giving love through an incident from the life of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, highlighting how genuine love leads to sacrificial generosity. Rooting his reflection in the Jubilee tradition from the Book of Leviticus, the Archbishop underlined the jubilee as a sacred time of thanksgiving, restoration, joy, and renewed commitment to holiness.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão presented Mary as the perfect model of love that serves, cares, and shows compassion, seen in her Visitation, her concern at Cana, and her merciful presence after the Crucifixion. He noted that these same qualities have marked the ministry of the Helpers of Mary at Rivona over the past five decades, especially in their service to children, the elderly, young people, and parishioners. Inviting both the Sisters and the faithful to renew their commitment, the Archbishop reminded that living for love is a call addressed to every baptized disciple of Christ, to be lived daily through humble service, care, forgiveness, and mercy.
Sr Shobina Mendit SHM was the liturgical commentator. Rivona Parish Youth led the liturgical singing. Sr. Leena Nazareth SHM, Superior of Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme following the Eucharistic Celebration began with the Congregational Anthem and a vibrant welcome dance by the Bal Nivas children, followed by a warm welcome to the dignitaries. The dignitaries were felicitated in recognition of their leadership and support. The Society of Helpers of Mary also felicitated Cardinal Ferrão.
Cultural performances included a traditional Goan dance by the parishioners and a remix dance by the Bal Nivas children. Dr. Umesh, benefactors, and the Sisters were also felicitated in appreciation of their dedicated service.
The cultural programme was anchored by Frana Lobo.
Gratitude
Speaking on the occasion, Sr. Annie Fernandes SHM, Superior General, expressed deep gratitude to God for fifty years of a mission born of faith and courage, which has grown into a beacon of compassionate service. Reflecting on the journey of the institution, she recalled how the mission, born from a humble beginning, has grown into a vibrant expression of Christ’s love through compassionate service.
“What began as a humble initiative has today blossomed into a beacon of compassion, touching countless lives with love and dignity,” she said, acknowledging God’s providential guidance through the decades.
Sr. Annie also paid tribute to the pioneers and Sisters whose prayers, sacrifices, and steadfast commitment sustained the mission through challenges and growth. Expressing deep appreciation for the collective journey, she offered thanks to God for His mighty works accomplished through Nitya Seva Niketan.
She honoured the Golden Jubilarian Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM, stating that her life “truly embodies the spirit of kindness and service.” She concluded by congratulating the Provincial leadership, community members, and all the Sisters whose dedicated service has marked these fifty golden years.
Mission of Service, Care and Compassion
Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, a mission of the Society of the Helpers of Mary founded by Mother Anna Huberta Roggendorf in 1942, began its service on 22 May 1976 in response to the pastoral invitation of Archbishop Raul Gonsalves and Rev. Fr. Leopoldine Dias. The mission was initiated by the pioneer Sisters Sr. Wandana D’Mello, Sr. Aradhana Edakulathur, Sr. Prafulita Machado, and Sr. Kusum Thermadom, with a focus on holistic development rooted in Gospel values.
Beginning with medical and maternal care, dispensaries and mobile clinics were established. Over the years, the mission expanded to include education, children’s care, women empowerment, agricultural sustainability, and social outreach. Major milestones included the Children’s Home, the HIV/AIDS Care Centre, Imelda Ghar for trafficked girls, alternative schooling programmes, and women’s self-help groups. Rivona later became the Provincialate of St. Francis Xavier – South Province.
Today, the mission continues through Bal Nivas, elderly care, pastoral ministry, and migrant outreach, standing as a living witness to five decades of faith, service, and compassion.
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