Sr. Molly Fernandes sfn –
Sancoale, Goa: On April 24, 2025, the Holy Family Sisters officially inaugurated public devotion to their founder, Fr. Faustino de Souza, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at their headquarters in Sancoale. This event marks a significant step in advancing his cause for official recognition of holiness and encouraging the faithful to seek spiritual favours through his intercession.
The Mass, held at 4:00 pm, was presided over by Fr. Peter Fernandes SFX, who centered his homily on the theme “Like Fr. Faustino, let us live in holiness and hope.” Fr. Fernandes highlighted Fr. Faustino’s deep spirituality, inspired by St. Francis Xavier and his spiritual director Fr. Agnelo de Souza, and his pivotal role in founding the Holy Family Sisters. He recounted how Fr. Faustino, recognizing a need in the community, initiated the congregation years before its formal establishment by sending young women to the Bethany Sisters in Mangalore for religious formation, laying the foundation for the congregation’s growth.
Following the liturgy, attendees gathered around the bust of Fr. Faustino to recite a special prayer invoking his intercession, composed by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao on the 50th anniversary of Fr. Faustino’s death. The ceremony included a candle-lighting ritual where sisters, parents, and boarders offered personal prayer intentions, symbolizing collective faith and hope.
The program featured heartfelt testimonies, including one from a sister who shared a miraculous favor received through Fr. Faustino’s intercession on the 50th death anniversary at St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna. Devotional songs composed by Sr. Myra Mendes and performed by her and the candidates echoed the enduring spiritual legacy of Fr. Faustino. A prayer dance and a token of gratitude presented to Fr. Peter Fernandes rounded off the event.
Founded in 1935 by Fr. Faustino, the Holy Family Sisters have grown into a congregation dedicated to serving the poor and needy through education, pastoral care, and social work across Goa and other Indian states. The initiation of public devotion to their founder is seen as a foundational milestone in honoring his legacy and inspiring spiritual growth within the community.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr. Myra Mendes and was compered by Sr. Valentina Vaz, marking a new chapter in the congregation’s journey to promote the holiness and service exemplified by Fr. Faustino de Souza.
