Anjuna/Sancoale: Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN) and devotees converged in Anjuna and Sancoale in Goa to mark the 51st death anniversary of their founder, Fr. Faustino De Souza, blending solemn liturgy with tributes to his enduring legacy of uplifting women, the poor, destitute, and youth.
The main liturgical celebration, advanced to March 24 at 4pm at St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna—Fr. Faustino’s birthplace—drew SFN sisters from across the Goa Archdiocese. Presided over by Fr. Tony Fernandes, SFX, and concelebrated by Frs. Jorge Fernandes and Anthony Paul, SFX, the Eucharist carried the Konkani theme ‘Orponn Mogachem Kirnn Bhorvanxeachem’ (An Offering of Love, A Ray of Hope).
The event opened with a moving short film on Fr. Faustino’s humble origins and missionary zeal, setting a reflective tone. In his stirring homily, Fr. Tony hailed Anjuna’s unique distinction in the archdiocese for nurturing two faith giants: Venerable Fr. Agnelo and Fr. Faustino.
“Without holiness, the life of a Sister has no value,” Fr. Tony asserted. “To be spiritual, one must first be deeply human.” Linking the day’s readings on Moses’ faith to Fr. Faustino’s trust in God, he called on the sisters to rededicate themselves by placing Jesus at the “absolute centre” of their lives and mission. “It is Jesus who chose and called you to bear fruit. Without being rooted in Him, your service has no value,” he emphasized, urging gratitude to God for each member and collaborative effort over solitary pursuits.
Fr. Tony decode the SFN acronym as a blueprint for contemporary religious life:
Spirituality: Holiness grounded in human goodness.
Family: Communities mirroring the Holy Family of Nazareth—fostering love, understanding, unity, and peace, shunning duspott (division).
Nazareth/Negative-to-Positive: Conquering negativity in religious circles with positivity and solidarity.
“We visit museums to admire antiques from afar,” he quipped, “but for you, it’s not about gazing at the past—it’s about drawing relevance today. Move forward holding each other’s hands; quality trumps numbers.”
Superior General Sr. Berna Rodrigues delivered a grateful vote of thanks. Post-Eucharist, the congregation’s magazine Savera was officially released.
On March 26, at SFN headquarters in Sancoale, sisters and boarders gathered at Fr. Faustino’s bust, garlanding it in a poignant rite honoring his visionary mission.