Bangalore Archdiocese

By Sr. Molly Fernandes SFN

Uchagaon - Belgavi, Feb 16, 2025 : On 15th February, the Holy Family Sisters, in Uchagaon Belgaum, celebrated their silver Jubilee at St. Jude Church Uchagaon. Belgaum.
“Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” Mt. 15:33.

This thought came 25 years ago to the minds of late Rev. Sister Pia the Superior General of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth Sisters, Sancoale, Goa, India. It was a call to respond to the spiritual and physical needs of the people in the Belgavi-Uchagaon area by Bishop Bernard Moras., Under the guidance and inspired by the Holy Spirit, Sr. Pia took on this mission. It was on 5th August 1999, the Sisters stepped on fertile soil, a land rich in soil but barren and thirsty for the love of God and it’s values and today, it stands strong like a tree.

Initially, the mission started in a small rented house with the nuns of the Holy Family Convent. They saw the deep spiritual hunger among the people in the area and responded with love and dedication. The presence of these nuns brought a significant impact on the lives of the villagers, regardless of their faith. They provided essential services selflessly. “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” This thought always stayed in the hearts of the nuns working here.

In today’s time the first thing is looked after is the residence. they stay there for two or three months, and ensure everything in order and if satisfied pitch their tent, Fr Albert preached and highlighted the work of the convent and the nuns. Today, this once barren land, transformed into a flourishing garden, testifies to their love and dedication.

On August 5, 2024, the Holy Family Convent celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over the years, the nuns have contributed selflessly to the Uchagaon community. Their work has spiritually, morally, and socially uplifted the villagers. From this base, they traveled to other sub-stations and villages, spreading God's word. They inspired many to stay firm in their faith and live a life filled with spiritual guidance.

Starting with pre-primary education, the nuns ensured that even those who couldn't travel long distances received quality education. They established a Pri-primary school to cater to the poor and needy children, exempting fees for those who couldn't afford it. Today, many of these children have grown up to be well-educated and successful individuals.

Throughout these years, the nuns identified the spiritual and social problems of the village and worked towards resolving them, always believing that their Heavenly Father was with them. By following the principles of their congregation and under the guidance of Founder, Fr Faustino De Souza, they continued their mission to spread the Gospel.

During the 25th-anniversary celebration, the nuns were grateful for the experiences they had. Rev. Fr Albert Fernandes msfs, celebrated the Eucharist, along with 14 other priests sharing their experiences and expressing their love and gratitude.

The congregation members who worked in this mission also participated in the celebration travelling beyond Goa and the surrounding areas, offering their prayers and thanks to God.

Sr Berna Rodrigues, the Superior General of the congregation, was present at the event, providing additional support and guidance.

Through their selfless service, the nuns declare to brighten the lives of the people in the surrounding areas, providing spiritual guidance, support, and motivation to live a life filled with faith and pledge to instil hope in the hopeless and journey with the people as pilgrims of Hope.