India: SFN Sisters in Goa Mark 51st Death Anniversary of Founder Fr. Faustino De Souza

By Sr. Molly Fernandes, SFN | March 26, 2026

On March 26, the SFN Sisters gathered at their headquarters in Sancoale, Goa, to garland the bust of Fr. Faustino, honoring his memory and enduring legacy.

An anticipated Mass marking the 51st death anniversary of Fr. Faustino De Souza, the founder of Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), was held on March 24 at St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna, drawing SFN Sisters and lay faithful from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in southwest India.

Anjuna holds special significance for the SFN Sisters as the birthplace of their founder.

The Eucharistic celebration, themed “An Offering of Love, A Ray of Hope,” was presided over by Fr. Tony Fernandes, SFX, and concelebrated by Fr. Jorge Fernandes and Fr. Anthony Paul, SFX.

Before the Eucharist, a short film depicting the humble beginnings and tireless mission of Fr. Faustino was screened.

In his homily, Fr. Tony reminded the congregation that Anjuna holds a rare distinction in the archdiocese, having given birth to two great men of faith: Venerable Fr. Agnelo and Fr. Faustino De Souza.

On March 26, Sisters gathered at the SFN Headquarters in Sancoale, Goa, to garland the bust of Fr. Faustino, honoring his memory and enduring legacy.

SFN Sisters marked the 51st death anniversary of their founder, Fr. Faustino De Souza, with a solemn Mass on March 24 at St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna.

The event also featured the official release of the congregation’s magazine, 'Savera'.

“Without holiness, the life of a Sister has no value,” he said. “To be spiritual, one must first be deeply human.”

Drawing a parallel between the faith of Moses in the day’s liturgy and the unwavering trust of Fr. Faustino, he urged the SFN Sisters to rededicate their lives by making Jesus the absolute center of their life and mission.

He also reflected on the three letters of the congregation’s acronym as a guide for contemporary religious life:

S – Spirituality: A call to holiness rooted in being good human beings.
F – Family: Building communities modeled on the Holy Family of Nazareth, marked by love, understanding, unity, and peace, rather than division.
N – Negative to Positive: Transforming the negativity faced by religious life into a spirit of hope and unity.

Fr. Tony challenged the Sisters to move forward together, “holding each other’s hands,” emphasizing that the quality of life is far more important than numbers.

Superior General Sr. Berna Rodrigues proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging all who contributed to the celebration.

On March 26, the actual anniversary day, the Sisters along with boarders gathered at the SFN Headquarters in Sancoale to garland the bust of Fr. Faustino, honoring his memory and enduring legacy.

About the Author

Sr. Molly Fernandes, SFN, based in Goa, India, is a freelance writer and regular contributor in English and Konkani, as well as a passionate advocate for media literacy.