By Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
Sancoale, Oct 17: Shepherd’s After God’s Own Heart reverberated at the Founders Day celebration and felicitation of Fr Simao Purificacao Fernandes.
The Holy Family Sisters at Sancoale, Goa, celebrated Founders Day and felicitated Fr Simao Purificacao Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of archdiocese of Goa and Daman, on Thursday, October 10. The theme 'Shepherds after God's own heart' was the focal point of the celebration.
The programme began with a floral welcome by the superior general Sr Berna Rodrigues and a graceful dance performance by the hostel girls while the Prelate was led by the superior General and team members.
The Holy Eucharist was presided over by His Lordship, accompanied by the concelebrants - Fr Kenneth, Johnsie, Fr Savio, Fr Marcelino, Fr Xavier, Fr Jorge and Fr Francis Vetuparkil, thanking God for the visionary founder, Fr Faustino D’Souza.
In his homily, the Prelate highlighted few points and related a story about a mother's selfless love for her child in the midst of an earthquake who risked her life to feed her child, even cutting her own vein to give her blood and said this story illustrates the unconditional love of a mother, similar to the Good Shepherd's love for his sheep.
Secondly, highlighted the Inner Disposition in the first reading, as God sees beyond external appearances and searches the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). As the founder, Fr Faustino De Souza, had an inner disposition of service and love for others and that we are called to cultivate this same inner disposition, putting others before ourselves.
Thirdly, that the gospel invites to be of Service and Sacrifice, like the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11), like the founder who offered his life for others, working tirelessly until his last breath, who said while in bed, “I want to work till I die, I continue my apostolate on bed”. And so, we are called to follow this example, using our gifts and talents for the good of others.
Fernandes, also highlighted the challenges, the Good Shepherd face, like the mother in the story faced challenges and uncertainty, but persevered in her love for her child. Likewise, the founder who faced challenges and criticism, but continued his ministry with courage and conviction and that we too will face challenges, but must remain steadfast in our commitment to serve others.
Another quality of the shepherd who is all Knowing and Accepting others, because the Good Shepherd knows his sheep by name and accepts them as they are (John 10:3). For, the founder knew the needs of his sisters, neighbours, and community, and accepted them with love and compassion. That, we are also called to do the same, accepting others' frailties and weaknesses, and loving them unconditionally and lastly,
To Embrace All - For the Good Shepherd desires to unite all sheep, regardless of background or belief (John 10:16). Just as the founder embraced people of all faiths and backgrounds, treating them with empathy and kindness. We are called to do the same, being signs of hope and acceptance in a divided world.
The Prelate concluded by emphasizing our call to be signs of hope, especially to those in need, as reminded by Pope Francis in his letter on the occasion of the Jubilee 2025, opening in December 2024. That we are called to embody the founder's spirit and be beacons of hope for the sick, the elderly, the poor, migrants, and the youth caught in abuses. To, keep the founder's dream alive and walk in his ways, with enthusiasm and grace, carrying forward his mission with synodality, participation, and communion.
Sr Jyoti D’Costa, with her choir led the august gathering to participate in the Eucharist with their blissful singing.
The programme included sharing of personal encounters with the founder, video clippings, and a felicitation ceremony of His Lordship with a shawl, and tokens of appreciation.
The SFN sisters sang a Mando composed by Sr Myra Mendes, and Sr Monica proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Srs Livia Nunes and Francilla Mascarenhas.