Sr. Molly Fernandes sfn.
Sancoale: Altruism is a personal value that arises from genuine concern for other people’s wellbeing. It is characterized by selflessness and concern for the well-being of others which has been the hallmark of Faustino’s personality.
It is said: The more you give, the more you receive. It is only by giving that one receives. And this is all about being altruistic
On 23rd November evening a meaningful prayer service was held to mark the beginning of the 130th birth anniversary of Founder Fr. Faustino De Souza of the Congregation of Holy Family of Nazareth on the theme: In Gratitude for Altruistic Service.
24th November marks a triple celebration: The Birthday of Founder, the Boarders Day and the Communication Day of Holy Family Communication Centre. On 22nd the Communication Centre marked the 30th year of Hofcom. Early morning on 24th, a thanksgiving Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter de Melo sfx, for the Sisters and Boarders.
Fr. D Melo brought out the theme beautifully connecting to the daily readings of the day and the humble, altruistic service of Faustino during his life how he rendered forgetting his own self and cared for the less fortunate. Being sensitive to the people and their need and that he invites each to follow in the footsteps of Christ whom he too followed and became for us – an instrument of humble service – ‘khalte sevechem daiz’.
Said Fr. Melo, today the need to communicate and propagate the good news is a daunting task and a clarion call moreover the desire how Faustino was instrumental in spreading the kingdom of God first being compassionate, kind and understanding to everyone by putting the God first.
After the recessional hymn, all gathered around the Founders Bust for the garlanding and then birthday cake was cut. A distribution of the favourite sweet of Founder Faustino ‘Godde’ was distributed by which he encouraged students to excel in their studies and live an ideal life.
Many of our schools had different activity carried on to mark this day while also programs were conducted for the boarders in the respective boarding houses.
Fr. Faustino Memorial Tournament was also organized by Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim. Whereas to tap the talents of the students, St. Joseph Vaz High School had organized ‘Inspire’ an intra-school activity for the students.
The day ended with a rosary being prayed by the boarders at the Founders Bust late evening along with the Sisters.