Br Malvino Alfonso OCD –
As the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sancoale Goa celebrates its 91st Foundation Anniversary, its anthem, “We Walk to the Promised Land,” beautifully reflects its history and mission. Founded on 16 June 1935 by Fr. Faustino De Souza, the Congregation was born from a vision of women religious who would live as true handmaids of the Lord, proclaiming God’s love through prayer and The opening verse declares:
“In faith of Jesus Christ we live,
S.F.N.’s glorify His name;
We’re the handmaids of the Lord,
Fiat to the Master’s Call.”
These words express the foundation of the Congregation’s spirituality. Like Mary’s “Fiat,” every Sister is called to respond generously to God’s will. They also echo this year’s pastoral theme, “Abide in Me,” whose first dimension invites believers to remain rooted in faith through the Word of God. Nourished by Scripture and prayer, the Sisters continue to draw strength from Christ, the true source of their mission.
Sowing Seeds of Love
The second verse speaks of sowing seeds that quietly bear fruit:
“The dawn is bright, we’re full of hope,
The seeds of love to sow;
And when the sun has gone to rest,
The little seeds will grow.”
Over the past ninety-one years, those seeds have blossomed into a vibrant Congregation with 38 communities under the leadership of Superior General Sr. Berna Rodrigues. Through Kiran Niketan Social Centre, Zuarinagar; Asha Sadan Social Centre, Baina; Divya Gyan Social Centre, Canacona; and Nazareth Jeevan Dhara Social Centre, Kadawal, the Sisters serve migrants, kidney patients, women through livelihood programmes, migrant children through education, and many others who seek dignity and hope.
Their outreach extends beyond material assistance, fostering empowerment, healing, inclusion and self-reliance, while witnessing to Christ’s compassionate love through dedicated accompaniment and holistic human development.
Forming Minds and Serving Society
The third stanza proclaims:
“Each day we trod, no looking back,
In service to the poor, the young and old;
To enlighten their minds and help them find
The power of God that we show.”
These words capture the Congregation’s apostolic spirit. Through schools, catechetical programmes and pastoral ministries, the Sisters have formed generations in faith and values, reflecting the second dimension of the pastoral theme: formation in faith through catechesis. Their mission extends to healthcare, media ministry and parish service, where they continue Christ’s work of teaching, healing and evangelising.
By accompanying children, youth, families and the elderly with compassion and dedication, they nurture not only intellectual growth but also spiritual maturity, inspiring countless people to become responsible citizens and committed disciples of Christ.
Walking Towards the Promised Land
The anthem concludes with hope-filled words:
“Someday at the end of this journey,
The bridegroom we’ll meet;
Then hand in hand we’ll walk with Him
Into the Promised Land.”
This vision points to the ultimate goal of every Christian vocation. Sustained by the Eucharist—the third dimension of the pastoral theme—the Sisters find the grace to persevere in their daily mission and to carry Christ’s presence into every sphere of their apostolate.
As they celebrate ninety-one years of faithful service, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth give thanks for the visionary leadership of Fr. Faustino De Souza and for generations of religious who have quietly transformed lives through education, social outreach, pastoral care and compassionate service. Rooted in God’s Word, formed by the faith of the Church and nourished by the Eucharist, they continue to “abide” in Christ while walking with hope towards the Promised Land, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and selfless dedication.