By Molly Fernandes

Bambolim, Apr 26: The surrounding of the famous Shrine of Holy Cross nick named ‘Fulancho Khuris’ at Bambolim, Goa-India, don a festive look with the vehicles making their way in the afternoons of April 25. The afternoons were reeling with joy, exuberance and awe filled with emotions of gratitude, and thanksgiving for the Church of Goa was getting blessed with more hands to work for the kingdom of God through the perpetual Vows of Sisters belonging to the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth, Sancoale, Goa-India.

The Congregation of Holy Family Sisters a tiny seed then sown in 1933 with its initial formation is now a grown tree with many branches spread in Goa and India working in the different dioceses, rejoiced and praised God the Almighty for His manifold blessings and moreover, as Sr Sarita Medha from Dudhni, Dadra Nagar Haveli, third child from among the three. Sr Anita D’Costa from Mallapur, Karwar - Karnataka, third among three siblings and the only daughter. Sr Francilla Mascarenhas from Usgao, Ponda – Goa, first child among the two daughters and Sr Jeryssa Pereira from Saligao, Bardez– Goa, third child from among the five siblings - committed themselves to Jesus Christ their Loving Spouse, pronouncing their Final Yes through the perpetual vows of Religious Life – Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, in the presence of their superior general Sr Berna Rodrigues sfn, His eminence most rev Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao and priests, nuns and the august gathering at the Shrine of Holy Cross, Bambolim.

The eucharistic celebration began at 4pm with a short summary of the Congregation and of the four sisters doing their Perpetual Profession.

The eucharist was circled around the theme: “Service of Love through Life Offering (Seva Priti Mogachi vompnni Jivitachi)” celebrated by His Eminence most rev Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, as the main Celebrant and concelebrated by 23 other priests.

The would-be professed sisters came along with their parents in procession. Then after the readings, they were set apart through the calling by their Mistress and after the Homily Questioned by Cardinal Ferrao expressed their desire to offer their life for Service.

In the homily, his excellency said, we are in the Easter season and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the Center and Foundation of our Faith.And that to those whom he had called and formed, He now has been appearing to them these days and allows them to experience him personally, strengthens their faith and breathes upon them his Spirit saying: receive the Holy Spirit and go to the whole world and be my witnesses.

Moreover the Lord who called the disciples has also called the four sisters he added and said, they responded having experienced his love all these years of formationand as we have just heard their response to the call through their legitimate superior saying: Here I am Lord for you called meand expressed their desire to offer their lives for the spread of the Gospel.

Cardinal Ferrao invited them saying this is what Jesus wants of you: To make him the center of your lives, and to remain united to him, making his lifea hallmark of your life as you make your offering through the three vows.

Secondly, to make Jesus the one and only prized possession and treasure of yourlife and through your offering of love in service, to remain faithful to him in humble obedience.

Cardinal Ferrao further emphasized and enlightened the gathering that the characteristics of the love of Jesus in connection to the theme and the Word of God (John 13) are - one of acceptance, one of concern and one of mercy- to and for all without exception, all inclusive.

He also exhorted the parents and families to offer their children to continue the mission of Jesus.

Lastly, empowered them to carry on the mission of Christ being in union with him as said in the beginning that Jesus called and chose his disciples first‘to be with him’ and then ‘to go and preach’.

Before the final blessing, the perpetually professed sisters thanked everyone for praying for them andthose involved in making this day a memorable one.

After the cutting of the cake and posing and wishing, everyone dispersed having refreshed themselves.