ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019

Introduction:  I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of our Congregation for the year 2018- 2019. Responding to the Pastoral Theme: “He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” Lk 4:18 and keeping alive the spirit of our holy Founder, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves, we, the Handmaids of Christ have tried our best to remain faithful to Spirit’s inspiration to the option for the poor through our Apostolate and in diverse ways. Surely God’s merciful love has continuously empowered us in this mission of spreading the Good News to the poor and the needy.

General Aspect: Presently our Congregation has 20 houses in the Archdiocese of Goa and 12 houses outside Goa. The total number of Sisters is 140 including 6 Junior Sisters and with 4 Novices.  We celebrate the love, warmth, care and concern that exist among our Sisters. Assortment of contributions from the Sisters assists the General Team in discerning strides to move the Congregation to greater heights. Sisters are concretely involved in the field of social services, protection of children and the Senior Citizens and Educational Apostolate. Notably, 2018-19 was a year of blessings. I am filled with gratitude for the apostolic zeal of our Sisters, prayer life, financial status and spirit of unity and joy within this community of faith. 

Apostolic Activities: Sisters are engaged in evangelizing activities, such as teaching Catechism, distribution of Holy Communion, conducting Prayer services, visiting families and the sick, administering first aid, hospital ministry, host baking, candles making, etc. The Sisters try to maintain harmonious relationship with Church Authorities as well as people of all faiths.

Spiritual Growth: To foster the spiritual growth of our Sisters, the Superiors of the Local Communities take the responsibility of arranging talks, monthly recollections, confessors, etc. Each Community Time-Table is designed in order to assist the Sisters to be regular for prayers and spiritual exercises. The spiritual life of the Sisters is nourished by the Eucharist, Prayer, Adoration, etc. Annual Retreat was organized for the Sisters in 3 batches. First batch was conducted by Rev Fr. John Sequeira OCD and the last two batches by Rev. Fr. Wilson D’Souza OFM Cap. Sisters attended Novena Mass of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, at Pilar in the month of November especially arranged by Rev. Fr. Tony sfx, for our Congregation. In order to foster Sisterly interaction and communion, a day for Common Recollection was organized on 25^th November, 2018 at three different zones as follows: North-St. Alex Convent, Calangute, Center-Holy Cross Shrine, Bambolim South– St. Joseph Convent, Aquem. Sisters attend the CRI meetings regularly.

Formation: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Sisters invested their time and energy and got trained in different aspects of formation through seminars and workshops. Time to time seminars were arranged for the Junior Sisters in order to make them proficient and adapt for a holistic life. The Novice Mistress and the Postulant Mistress attended a workshop on “Integral Formation” held in Pune from 21^st to 22^nd September 2018. Junior Sisters attended a 5 days’ workshop on the topic “Health and Wholeness” at Pastoral Institute organized for the Pastoralites. 5 days seminar organized by the Pastoral Institute on “Legal Matters” conducted by Rev. Fr. P.D. Mathew was attended by 5 Sisters. Seminar in 3 batches was organized for the Sisters conducted by Rev. Fr. John Sequeira OCD on SWOT Analyses which is assisting us in preparing an Action Plan for the Congregation for the next 3 years, which is in process. A two Vocation Camp was conducted for the girls who dare to say ‘yes’ to God’s plan in the month of April 2019. Our two Juniour Sisters Sr. Ciona Dias and Sr. Samita Nayak have been selected for Tertianship. One Sister Attended a year’s Course on Integral Formation. 7 Sisters attended the Course on healing the inner Child.

Intellectual Formation: “The purpose of our lives is to give birth to the best which is within us.” says Williamson.

The best within us is the Divine Plan. Sisters are pursuing their studies through Degree Colleges as well as short term Courses in various field of education like BSW, Counseling, Kindergarten Training, Computer, Music, Tailoring, etc. 3 Sisters have completed Bachelor of Arts and 2 Sisters have completed Master Degree in Social Science.

Educational Apostolate: “Some people dream of success while others wake up and work.” Unknown

Sisters work assiduously in collaboration with the other staff members to offer integral formation and make our Educational Mission consequential and successful. Special preference is given to the Catholics as well as children coming from backward classes. We try to foster in our students a strong sense of connectivity to the Creator through meaningful Assemblies, Eucharistic Celebrations, Catecheses, Moral Values, etc. The Congregation has 4 High Schools, 5 Primary Schools and 11 Pre-Primary Schools. Our schools worked hard to secure high percentage at the SSC Board Examination. The Results are as follows:

Little Flower H/S, Calangute: 99%

St. Joseph H/S, Aquem: 98%

St. Thereza’s H/S, Raia: 92%

Immaculate Heart of Mary H/S, Goa Velha: 90%

Social Apostolate: “Anyone serving the poor and the infirm is, in fact serving God.” Mother Theresa.

The Congregation runs two boarding homes, one hostel for working women and students pursuing higher studies, six homes for the Aged, one home for the destitute and one orphanage. Under the guidance of our Sisters, we conducted Diploma Courses in Tailoring, aided by the Overseas Employment Agencies – NRI at two Centres, namely St. Alex Convent, Calangute and Nazareth Home, Pernem, enabling young ladies to earn and supplement their family income. A special visit was made to 8 families of our married orphans with Christmas sweets. A family atmosphere, a sense of belongingness, security and concern is being created and experienced in this apostolate. St. Alex Orphanage, Calangute, joined hands with Catalyst for Social Action CSA on trial basis in order to foster better performance of the Institute. One Sister is actively involved in the NGO called COOJ and in the prison ministry. On 11th November 2018, Sisters joined in big number to protest against illegal felling of trees and construction organized by Calangute Village Forum. A group of Sisters from Mother House visited prisoners of Colvale prison during Eastertide.

Constructions and Renovations:  “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Completion

• The extension of Daya Mata Niketan, Mardol, with two additional classrooms was inaugurated on 1^st May 2019.
• Prem- Dhan Convent, Salvador do Mundo has been renovated with a facelift for the adjacent hall.
• Handmaids of Christ Convent, Old Goa, has been renovated with internal readjustments.

In progress

• Construction of a new block for St. Joseph High School Aquem, Margao.
• The renovation and extension for a Needle Work hall of Premastha Bhavan, Harnai.
• Re- construction of the new block and renovation of Holy Spirit Home, Moira.
• Re- construction of the store house at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Goa Velha.
• Extension of the Generalate at Calangute with provision for the office of General Procurator.    
• Reconstruction of portion along the staircase inside, along with 6 Rooms of the St. Alex Convent, Calangute.

Meetings:

1. Superior General attended:

• The General Body Meeting of WRCRI held in Pune, from 11^th to 12^th September 2019.
• The Annual General Body Meeting of the Major Superiors, having Communities in Goa, held at St. Joseph spirituality Centre, Cruz dos Milagres in January 2019.

2. The Annual General Body Meeting of the Educational Society of Handmaids of Christ was held on 28^th July 2019.
3. The Annual General Body Meeting of the Society of Sisters of St. Alex was held on 11^th August 2018. Resource Persons, Mr. N.T. Mathew, the Auditor and Rev. Fr. Alex SJ from Pune, were invited to give sessions on the financial status of our Congregation and guidelines on Accounting.
4. The Annual General Body Meeting of the newly formed Handmaids of Christ Trust was held on 16^th April, 2019

Participations:

• Sr. Godwina Pereira, appointed as member of the Commission for Inter Religious Dialogue.
• Sr. Justina Vaz attended the meeting of Western Region Catholic Council WRCC at Viwandi, Vasai as a religious representative
• Sr. Xaverita Fernandes appointed youth guide in Kanataka for a period of one year
• Children from St. Alex Orphanage participated in India Peace Concert 2018 in December.
• Sr. Pobrina Dias, appointed member of Diocesan Commission for Biblical Apostolate.
• Sr. Tomacina Desa is the member of Responsible Tourism for  the Council of Social Justice and Peace

Formation of Handmaids of Christ Trust: After successive consultations and careful deliberations, our Congregation has got the Trust Registered on 20^th March 2019 bearing Registration No. BRZ-4-2-2019, under the title ‘Handmaids of Christ Trust’. One day Special Seminar was organized for General Team other concerned Members of our Congregation conducted by N.T. Mathew and Fr. Alex on the Topic: “Financial Status of our Congregation and the need for the Formation of Religious Trust.

Renewal of members for different Commissions: At the completion of 3 years term, the new Members are being appointed in the different Commissions, Editorial Team and Audit Team with the consent of the Council. I wish God’s boundless blessings upon the outgoing members for their dedicated service and genuine inputs and also wish all the best to the new Members.

Special Events:

• Closure of St. Theresa’s convent, St. Kitt’s Island: The contract for the Community at St. Kitt’s Island was renewed for the Year 2017-18. Considering the practical difficulties faced in the continuation of the Apostolate, it is decided not to renew the contract. We are genuinely grateful to Rev. Fr. Manuel Antao, SVD, for initiating our apostolate in the distant Island. The significant and noteworthy contribution of all those who worked to this mission is sincerely recognized and appreciated. Our Services at Kitt’s Island discontinued in July 2018.
• Regret: Sr. Leena Gaikwad, a finally Professed Sister is granted an Indult to leave the Congregation. May the Divine Presence assist her to find happiness and fulfillment in her life.
• Rest in eternal peace: “Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” Mt 11: 28. Sr. Jane Lobo died a very serene and peaceful death on 16^th October 2018, after she was lovingly taken care of in her old age and illness by the Sisters of Holy Spirit Home, Moira. We give thanks to God for the contribution of her prayers and her loving-offering. May God be her reward!
• Fiat: Annual Bulletin of our Congregation ‘FIAT’ was released on the Feast of Annunciation, the Feast of our Congregation, presenting various activities of our different Institution by way of Reports and other creative write-ups.
• Annual planner: In order to secure unity of purpose and eliminate unnecessary duplication and overlapping, the Annual Planner of the Congregation is renewed for 2018-2019.
• CD dedicated to our Founder: Tiatrists, Jose and Evon, released a CD of songs: ‘Padr Herculano- Onathancho Bapui’  and dedicated it to our beloved Founder Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves in which Sr. Justina Vaz sings one song and a short commentary on Pelican synonym to the life of our Founder is given by Sr. Perpetua Vaz. 
• Mando on Vocation:  Vocation Mando “Jezucho tallo aikat”, composed by Sr. Perpetua Vaz was sung by selected Musicians and uploaded on the YouTube.

Conclusion:

I owe my deep sense of gratitude to your Grace, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão for your fatherly care and constant support in all our endeavors.  We count on your prayers and blessings upon each of our sisters and upon our Apostolate. I am deeply appreciative of the General Team for supporting each other and realizing the importance of working as a team to serve God and this Congregation. To my Sisters, to every member of different Committees, to our collaborators, well-wishers, and many others who have helped in varied ways, I wish to say a big ‘thank you’. In our beloved Founder, we see a holy man who navigated in the face of storm and articulated the vision for us, his Sisters.  As we successively celebrate the Life and legacy of our Holy Founder, we seek to live up to his dreams and create loving relationships with God, with nature and with others, particularly the poor and the needy.  As we seek to prayerfully discern the actions and commitments of our Congregation, God’s faithfulness will both personally and collectively shine through our Mission and Ministry and empowered by the Spirit of God we shall continue to unfold the goodness and grace of God. We need to move forward boldly into a future only known to God and yet we remain assured of His Purpose and Presence every step of our way.

GOD BLESS US ALL!