By Sr. Molly Fernandes sfn
The 128th birth anniversary of Founder Fr. Faustino De Souza was celebrated on 24th November by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), Sancoale, Goa, across India.
At the onset on the eve, a prayer service was held to invoke God’s blessings. On 24th morning after the Eucharistic celebration, the garlanding of the bust of Fr. Faustino was done with due respect at the headquarters, other convents, schools and many other activities carried on at the national level in different states wherever the congregation renders its services.
This day marks the triple celebration: Founder’s Day, Boarders Day and Communication Day. The tradition has it, a sweet known as ‘godes’ round in shape are distributed remembering the founder who encouraged and empowered children to do well in their studies. Even to those who did not fare well saying next time you do better while those who were studious got a double share.
He was a man of masses who went to the people, to see, to know and to listen and understand the ground reality of which he was a shepherd after the heart of Christ. As at this year’s World Communication Day the Pope invites saying: ‘Come and see’, a call to authentic human communication. A centenarian that he is, he was a seer.
Today what the Pope asks the world Catholic leaders through the synod 2021-2023, to go to the people, to listen to them, to encounter, to get them involved, etc… Faustino himself walked the talk, and instructed the nuns to do the same while simultaneously the nuns also accompanied him on his visits to families without caste or creed. Communion, Participation and Mission, were the characteristics of his heart!
The poor had a special place in his life and were his deep concern, as he asked sisters to open schools, boarding houses in the outskirts to cater to these troubled, broken, families which are continued till date though it’s a very challenging and daunting task to impart ideals, holistic education and moral values.
Holy Family Education Society and Fr. Faustino Social Centres conducted varied programs to mark this day.
The Patriarch of Goa and Daman Archdiocese Archbishop Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, in the second half of the day, Consecrated the Chapel and installed the Blessed Sacrament in the newly constructed St. Joseph Vaz Convent at Sanguem in the presence of priests, the Superior General Berna Rodrigues, sisters and few people and celebrated the Holy Eucharist. His Grace emphasized on the theme “Stay With Us” to spend time with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament and to give Jesus to the people through the visits, to invite Jesus to stay in each and every moment, every situation, in our work, life, etc.
To mark the Communication Day, the Archbishop after the Eucharist, released the quarterly magazine ‘Savera’ published by Holy Family Communications Centre (HOFCOM), Sancoale, Goa. The HOFCOM also released a song at the hands of Sr. Berna Rodrigues, on our Founder Fr. Faustino De Souza, sung by Srs Francila Mscarenhas and Jeryssa Pereira on 23rd November on the eve after the Prayer Service. The sisters also participated in a competition on decorating the frame or picture of Founder Fr. Faustino at the congregational level organised by HOFCOM.
At Vasco-Baina, Goa, Asha Sadan Social Centre, run by the Holy Family Nazareth Sisters, where the centre caters to the migrants, to mark this day after a prayer service, children day was celebrated as a fond remembrance of our Founder who had the children so close to his heart. There were games conducted for children, youth, ladies and dance performances by the children and prize distribution for the winners. The President and members of Lions Club of Mormugao were present.
The writer of this article was invited to speak in Hindi to the gathering on the life of our Founder Fr. Faustino De Souza. Everyone went home with a token and snacks packet.
On this day, the air is filled with joy, peace, love and laughter; our dedication and commitment gets renewed and even greater fervour and zeal rejuvenates the SFN’s to work with passion to keep the legacy and charism of our Founder alive.