India: On World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, Senior SFN Sisters Reflect on What Kept Them Going
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN) in Goa, southwest India, celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, coinciding with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on February 2.
Held at the Holy Family Chapel in Sancoale, Marmugao Taluka, the Mass was led by Fr. Rex Fernandes, Director of Pilar ITI Institute and attended by over 20 SFN sisters and young girls in religious formation.
In his homily, Fr. Rex reflected on the synergy of the theological virtues, highlighting faith as recognizing God’s initial call, hope as living with a hidden trust in His providence, and charity as acting through a love that, once filled by God, naturally overflows to others like a full vessel.
A poignant moment followed as the sisters, holding lit candles, renewed their vows to recapture their “first fervor.” The celebration concluded with a joyful gathering, featuring a cake-cutting ceremony and tokens of appreciation for all members.
Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, three senior SFN nuns, now in their old age, shared what sustained them in consecrated life and helped them keep alive their first love.
Sr. Rita Baretto, SFN, said, “The discipline with which we were trained and nurtured, and the guidance we received from our Superiors and Mother General, enabled us to choose what gave inner joy and helped us work on our shortcomings. Through deep silence and being in tune with the Spirit of God, we learned to listen to the voice of our conscience and address our limitations. We did not allow the rust to settle on our souls.”
With a smile and gentle charm, Sr. Rita concluded, “Now, I am gracefully preparing myself to meet my Lord.”
Sr. Valentina Cota, SFN, said, “I learned to believe and trust in divine providence, a core virtue of our founder. Because of this trust, I was able to pursue my desired studies and serve the people of God. Offering my daily difficulties at the feet of the Lord kept me grounded and people-oriented, helping me see others’ needs beyond my own aches and pains. Inner silence spoke to me when I made wrong decisions and gave me the grace to humble myself, even to the point of seeking forgiveness from the younger ones.”
Reflecting on the Feast of the Presentation, Sr. Cota gently added, “It reminds me to offer myself each day at the Eucharist, as I pray: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. I wish to carry the glow of the candle lit on my profession day with the same fervor until I see Him face to face.”
Sr. Benigna Monteiro, SFN, expressed optimism, saying, “What was taught to us in the novitiate by our mistress, I tried to live out. Faithfulness to prayer and timetable became the driving force that helped me remain joyful and share that joy wherever I was placed. Daily union with Jesus helped me understand others, as I too passed through similar situations. Today, through silent prayer, I present to the Lord the needs of the Church, pray for peace in the world, and ask for many vocations to consecrated life.”
Returning to the First Love
The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life echoes the warning in Revelation 2:4: “You have lost the love you had at first.” It is an invitation to return—to simplicity, silence, and authentic witness.
Like a candle that gives light by consuming itself, consecrated life is meant to glow quietly, illuminating the world through faithful presence. In rediscovering this first fervor, consecrated women and men become living signs of a God found not in noise, but in hearts steadfast in prayer.
