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News : John Malvino Alfonso OCD
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Margao, Jan 19, 2023 : Sr. Sukuria Dias, Sr. Saude Rodrigues, Sr. Precila Lobo, Sr. Anserine D’Souza and Sr.  Gracia Silveira of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth celebrated the Silver Jubilee of their Religious profession at Our Lady of Rosary Church Navelim.

Fr.  Gabriel Coutinho, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church presided over the Eucharistic celebration along with Fr.  Polly Lobo, Parish Priest of  St. Alex Church, Calangute, Fr. Jose Roque Gonsalves, Director of Clergy Home, Margao and 28 priests as  concelebrants.

From left, Sr. Sukuria Dias, Sr. Saude Rodrigues, Sr. Precila Lobo, Sr. Anserine D’Souza and Sr.  Gracia Silveira of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

“Jesus was faithful to these nuns in these 25 years,  therefore we praise and sing a song of gratitude to Him”, said Fr. Polly Lobo. Fr. Polly was delivering a homily   at the Eucharistic Celebration held at the Navelim church on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of 5 nuns of   the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.  Faithful prayed during the Eucharistic celebration for   Late Sr. Anita Godinho, who was the companion of these Jubilarians.

Fr. Polly Lobo recalling the vocation story of St. Mathew , Apostle of Jesus, reflected on the three vows (Obedience, Poverty and Chastity) of religious life.

“Jesus called  Mathew, he obeyed Jesus and today he became a saint. So obedience  is  called Holiness”, said Fr.  Lobo stressing on our call to Holiness.

“These nuns served the people and shared love through the eyes of God”, said Fr Polly  and focused on the importance of  priests and religious  having a holiness approach  in their interaction with people in the society and the mission entrusted to them. “ We choose to become poor”, said Fr. Polly while reflecting on the vow of Poverty.   “One who totally depends on God is a poor person”, he said.

He congratulated the jubilarians for giving hope while serving the society at large ,  depending on God and  loving God above all else. “ Make your life a story  not a history so that people will come to know that to serve God , serve Jesus, is something beautiful”, said Fr. Polly.  

He appealed to the congregation to  promote vocation to Priesthood and religious life and pray.

Fr. Simon D’Cunha, Chaplain, St Joachim Chapel  led the liturgical singing along  with his parishioners. Fr, Garbriel  Coutinho wished  the jubilarians. Sr. Melvira Borges SFN gave a brief history of the Congregation and introduced the jubilarians. Sr Anserine  and Sr Precila thanked all.

“As my sisters celebrate 25 years of Religious life, I thank God for the gift of them to our congregation and as a head of the congregation to me personally”, said Sr  Berna Rodrigues SFN, Mother General of the Congregation while talking to the gathering after the mass.

She said that she is grateful to God for the ‘yes’ they have said to the Lord and through it the wonderful services they render to the congregation and society.

“I can't forget to express my gratitude to their parents who have generously offered them to the Lord through our congregation”, said Sr. Berna while wishing the nuns an effective   fruitful 50 years.

Sr. Sukuria, who hails from Cuncolim presently serving as Counsellor and incharge of the hostel in the mission of  Noida Delhi.     Sr Saude and Sr Gracia are from Utorda, Sr Saude serves the community of  St. Anne’s Convent, Cansaulim as a Superior whereas Sr Gracia belongs to Holy Family Convent Usgão.   Sr.  Precila, who is a native of Canaguinim, serves as a teacher at St Michael’s High School, Anjuna. Sr. Anserine, who hails from Panchwadi, is a teacher at Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim.

A small felicitation programme was held where Jubilarian nuns cut the cake and Goan Manddo based on the life and mission of the jubilarians was presented under the leadership of Sr Jenifer Fernandes SFN. Jubilarians also expressed their joy and gratitude to God and others through a song.

Sr. Valantina Vaz SFN compered the felicitation programme.