The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar in Goa, western India, marked their 38th Foundation Day on September 8 with a call to renew their missionary commitment and explore new ways of evangelization.
Bishop Alex Dias, SFX, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Port Blair, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Pilar Sisters’ Generalate in Loutolim. Fr. Galdino Monteiro, SFX, and Fr. Anthony Silva, SFX, concelebrated.
In his homily, Bishop Dias reminded the Sisters that the anniversary was not simply an occasion for celebration but a time for prayerful reflection and renewed commitment to their vocation and mission.
“38 years since your foundation as Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar. Time really flies. Everything is the plan of God,” he said, inviting the Sisters to recognize God’s providence throughout their journey.
He cautioned against reducing Foundation Day to cake-cutting and festivities.
“This time should not be just a celebration with cutting of the cake and enjoyment. It should be a special time for each one of you to make a personal introspection to see if you are carrying out all that you intended to do,” he said.
Bishop Dias highlighted evangelization and the New Evangelization as central to the congregation’s charism. Referring to St. John Paul II’s missionary vision, he recalled the call to proclaim the Gospel with “fresh enthusiasm, methods and expressions.”
He challenged the Sisters to examine their missionary approaches and consider new ways of bringing Christ and the Gospel to people.
“Have you tried new ways?” he asked.
Reflecting on God’s plan for each vocation, Bishop Dias noted that people cannot always know where God is leading them. He cited St. Teresa of Calcutta, who spent many years serving with the Loreto congregation before beginning a new missionary journey that eventually led to the founding of the Missionaries of Charity.
“Who knows the future?” he asked, encouraging the Sisters to remain open to God’s plan for their lives and congregation.
The celebration brought together Sisters from various communities in Goa and began with four hours of Eucharistic Adoration.
In her welcome address, Superior General Sr. Luiza Fernandes, MSP, described Foundation Day as “not just a date, but a memory of God’s faithfulness.”
She expressed gratitude to Bishop Dias, Fr. Galdino Monteiro, who helped establish the Society, and Fr. Anthony Silva for his support during its early years.
Sr. Luiza also paid tribute to the pioneers of the Society, Sr. Joanita Miranda, Sr. Theolinda Fernandes, Sr. Nina Lopes and Sr. Julie Aruja, whose courage and sacrifices helped lay its foundation.
She thanked Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman, the Society of Pilar, the Sisters’ families and benefactors for their continued support.
Goa, a small state on India’s western coast, has a long Catholic heritage and has played an important role in the history of Christian missionary activity in South Asia. The Pilar Sisters continue their apostolic mission from this setting, seeking to carry their charism of evangelization into changing social and pastoral contexts.
The celebration concluded with the Sisters and guests sharing a festive meal in an atmosphere of joy, fellowship and thanksgiving.
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