The Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), Sancoale, in the western Indian state of Goa joyfully celebrated the silver jubilee of Sisters Rita Fernandes and Alzira D’Souza on May 12, 2025, at St. Alex Church, Calangute.
Centered on the theme “Twenty-Five Years with Jesus: A Journey of Hope and Thanksgiving,” the event was a profound expression of gratitude for the sisters’ 25 years of dedicated missionary service.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Simiao Purificação Fernandes, joined by 18 concelebrating priests, adding solemnity and spiritual depth to the occasion.
In his homily, Fernandes reflected on the nuns' faith journey, highlighting the life-changing effects of love and service.
He shared the story of Mother Teresa, who cared for a destitute man, and how that simple act of love led the man to say, “I came as a beggar, but now I will die as an angel.”
The story deeply resonated with the congregation, underlining the spiritual impact of selfless service—a hallmark of the jubilarians’ lives.
Addressing the jubilarians personally, the bishop creatively reflected on the last letters of their names—“Ta” and “Ra”—declaring them “true stars” and weaving a meaningful acronym:
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T – Thanksgiving
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A – Appreciation
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R – Reverence
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A – Apostolate
This acronym highlighted their enduring mission of evangelization and witness to Christ.
Drawing a parallel with the Emmaus journey, he noted how Srs. Rita and Alzira, like the disciples, have walked with Christ—sometimes in uncertainty, but always guided by His presence. Their 25-year journey, he said, was a testimony of faith, hope, and thanksgiving.
After Communion, Sr. Alzira offered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, thanking God for the graces received throughout her vocation. Her words radiated faith, humility, and joy in the Lord's companionship.
Before the final blessing, Sr. Rita expressed her appreciation to the bishop, clergy, the SFN congregation, her family, and the faithful gathered. She acknowledged God’s guiding hand and the support of her sisters and friends, which strengthened her commitment to the mission.
Her gratitude reflected the spirit of communion and the joy of being surrounded by those who journeyed with them.
The thanksgiving continued with a vibrant fellowship gathering, including cake-cutting, warm wishes, and a soulful rendition of the traditional Goan Mando composed and performed by parishioners of Calangute—enriching the celebration with cultural flavor and heartfelt affection.
The celebration was thoughtfully coordinated, with Sr. Precilla serving as the emcee, ensuring the smooth flow of events. The parish choir uplifted the spiritual atmosphere through melodious hymns, fostering active and joyful participation.
Though the parish priest, Fr. Jovito D Costa, was absent, the curate conveyed warm greetings and prayers, reaffirming the parish’s gratitude for the sisters’ dedication to the Church and the local community.
Parishioners from Usgao and Sanguem, where the jubilarians had previously served, traveled to Calangute to honor them. “We came to show our love for the selfless services the sisters render to the Church,” they said—words that captured the broader impact of their mission.
To further enhance the joy of the occasion, Sr. Rita’s brother, Mr. Felix Fernandes, shared a touching message of thanksgiving. He thanked God for his sister’s vocation and acknowledged the support of the SFN congregation. He also spoke of Sr. Rita’s genuine interactions with people, her ability to uplift others with kindness, and the spiritual joy she radiates.
The silver jubilee of Srs. Rita and Alzira was not only a celebration of years but also a testament to grace, commitment, and love. Their faith-filled journey still motivates those around them, reminding us all of the enduring presence of Christ in every act of service and love.
Fr. Faustino de Souza founded the indigenous congregation for women in 1833 under King Dom Pedro of Portugal.
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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