ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

HANDMAIDS OF CHRIST

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

St. Alex Convent, Calangute-Bardez Goa. 403 516

Tel. 0832-2276093  e-mail: hcgen@ rediffmail.com

INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of our Congregation for the year 2020-2021, 

Reflecting and acting on the Pastoral Theme for the Year 2020-2021, for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman: ‘You are my witnesses’ (Tumi Mhoje Govai) (cf. Acts 1:8), has assisted us to grow in deeper experience of God, strengthening in our faith to be courageous witnesses in our day-to-day lives. Throughout the year we have been living in a different world, and consequently learning to act differently! In fact this dismal and gloomy time has ironically been an opportune time for us in many ways to witness that God is in control. We have discovered a renewed openness to know a fresh determination to make the most of every moment, and build into our lives more healthy rhythms of rest, work and performance. It is indeed a testimony to the love, resourcefulness and commitment of each of our Sisters that keeps us moving ahead. 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, in order to be witnesses of Christ in and through our Apostolate and in diverse ways.

GENERAL ASPECT

Presently our Congregation has 20 houses in the Archdiocese of Goa and 12 houses outside Goa. The total number of Sisters is 138 including 5 Junior Sisters and 2 Novices.  We celebrate the miracle of living together and reaching out in fraternal charity to those whom we are called to serve.  The variety of contributions made by each Sister assisted the General Team in taking the discerning steps to move the Congregation to higher grounds. Sisters are concretely involved in the field of Social Services, Protection of Children and the Senior Citizens and Educational Apostolate. The apostolic zeal of our Sisters, prayer life, financial status and the spirit of unity and joy within this community of faith, is quite edifying.  

APOSTOLIC ACTIVITIES

Sisters who were engaged in evangelizing activities, such as teaching Catechism, distribution of Holy Communion, conducting Prayer Services and BCC Meetings, visiting families and the sick, administering first aid, hospital ministry, attending funerals, host baking, candles making, etc. were held comparatively on a low tone due to looming impact of Covid-19. Nonetheless, nothing has deterred our harmonious relationship with Church Authorities as well as with 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, confessions, etc. Each Community Time-Table is designed in order to assist the Sisters to be regular for prayer and spiritual exercises. The spiritual life of the Sisters is nourished by the Eucharistic Celebration, Prayers, Adoration, etc. Annual Retreat was organized for the Sisters in batches with lesser number in order to follow the SOP laid in consequent to Covid-19. On behave of our Congregation our Sr. Sena Viegas participated in the Walking Pilgrimage to Sancoale and also headed the organising the group of 36 participant at the Deanery. Many other Sisters participated in the Pilgrimage at the Parish Level and experienced much peace and tranquillity

FORMATION 

Seminars and Workshops: Sisters availed the opportunities to be trained in different aspects of formation in alternative forms particularly through correspondent courses. 3 Sisters attended Online Weekend Course in basic Theology. 

Preparatory Course: We keep our two Junior Sisters Sr. Paloma Martins and Sr. Priyanka Lobo in our prayers as they are pursuing a Preparatory Course for their Final Profession. 

Programme/Renewal of Vows: The Junior Sisters attended one day Recollection and renewed their Vows at St. Alex Convent, Calangute on 21^st May 2021

Vocation Promoter: In order to boost the Vocation promotion more forcefully, a committee of Vocation Promoters is constituted with the following members: Sr. Godwina Pereira, Sr. Bernadetta Furtado, Sr. Wilber Coutinho, Sr. Sunita Barretto and Sr. Sendra Fernandes. 

EDUCATIONAL APOSTOLATE

Our Congregation has 4 High Schools, 5 Primary Schools and 11 Pre-Primary Schools. Sisters worked diligently in collaboration with the other staff members to offer online Education owing to Covid-19 in order to make our Educational Mission consequential and successful. Special attention was given to children from backward classes. 

Intellectual Formation: 

Sisters are pursuing their studies through Degree Colleges as well as short term Courses in various field of education like BSW, Counseling, Computer, Music, Tailoring, etc. 2 Sisters has completed Bachelor of Arts and 2 Sisters completed B. Ed through Correspondence. Many Sisters benefitted from the Course in Needle Work arranged specially for the Sisters. One Sister secured Grade A in an advanced Course in Computer. We praise God for the gift of Sr. Lina Dias for 32 years of unstinted service rendered in our Institution. She superannuated on 30^th September 2020 as Headmistress of Immaculate Heart of Mary H/S, Goa Velha thus paving way to Sr. Anita D’Silva to carry on the great responsibility to we wish God’s blessings and success in abundance.

SOCIAL APOSTOLATE

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. 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. One Sister offer free training for the inmates of neighboring Alcoholic Anonymous Centre in Calangute. 

FINANCE AND CONSTRUCTIONS

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

Work Completed 

• Construction of a new block and renovation of Holy Spirit Home, Moira on 24^th September 2020
• Construction of a new block for St. Joseph High School Aquem, Margao on 19^th March, 2021 

Work in progress 

• Construction of a New Residence of St. Joseph- Aquem, Margao 

Meetings

1. Superior General attended the Annual General Body Meeting AGM of the Western Region CRI which was held online on 7^th /8^th November 2020 with the theme: ‘Issues concerning our Nation and the Church’.
2. The Annual General Body Meeting of the Society of Sisters of St. Alex was held on 22^nd November 2020. 
3. The Annual General Body Meeting of the Educational Society of Handmaids of Christ was held on 10^th December 2020.
4. The Annual General Body Meeting of the Handmaids of Christ Trust was held on 22^nd November 2020

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

1. Final profession: Final commitment of Sr. Samita Nayak and Sr. Ciona Dias, was held on 20th August, 2020 at Archbishop’s House, Altinho, Panjim. Despite the external restrictions on the celebration, imposed due to covid-19, the peace, joy and grandeur which can be experienced only in and through Christ was enhanced and experienced throughout the Ceremony. May they continue to offer their blest! 

2. First Profession: Our two Novices made their first Profession at St. Alex Convent, Calangute, Bardez, Goa. Novice Sendra Fernandes on 8^th December, 2020 at 3.30 p.m. and Novice Kimberly Torcato on 31^st May, 2021.

3. Release of the two books: The two books compiled by Sr. Adrianne HC ‘My Journey with the Founder’ and ‘Anthology of Published Articles’ have been released at St. Alex Convent, Calangute on the 71^st Anniversary of the Canonical Erection of our Congregation on 24^th Sept. 2020. My deep sense of gratitude to Sr. Adrianne HC. Her significant and momentous initiative deserves immense appreciation. My special thanks to all those who munificently assisted in giving shape and form to these compilations. I wish to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the generosity of Dr. Silvano Dias Sapeco, Ex- Professor and Head of Forensic Medicine Department, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, in sponsoring the printing cost of both the compilations. These books will

assist us to learn and imbibe the life, work and the man himself as we leaf through the pages and pass it on to others until we see our beloved Founder being raised to the Altar among all the official saints. 

4. The Landmark Venture: “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.” Pope Francis’ Speech, Manila, Philippines, January 18, 2015

In God’s own time everything takes its shape. The idea of converting our property on the hilly area at Mottant, Naikawaddo, Calangute, into a fruit bearing orchard was presented to the General Team and was approved unanimously. Ironically, the lockdown caused due to Covid-19 proved to be an appropriate God given time to take advantage and to plunge into action. ‘When God inspires a plan, he provides all possible help needed’ and gives us favour by placing significant people in our circumstances to make our dream a reality. The inmates of the New Creation Home, Mottant, have been doing inconceivable and incredible job. The actual plantation commenced on 28^th July, 2020 with the ceremonial blessing by Rev. Fr. Polly Lobo, the Parish Priest of St. Alex Church. By now we have several varieties of fruit bearing saplings planted and and other vegetable grown and the work is in progress. We pray that God may continue to guide us diligently to accomplish the Plan we have set out to accomplish. 

5. Renovation of St. Theresa’s Convent, Rahata: God makes all things beautiful in his own time. And everything we do is perfected by His Divine touch. Our St. Theresa’s Convent, Rahata, Nashik, has been finally renovated and given comfortable form and restoration of its beauty through the generous support of Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Rome. God breathes His Spirit upon the House with His finest graces n blessings at its inauguration on 20th December 2020, through the blessings of Bishop Lourdes Daniel- bishop of the catholic diocese of Nashik who has been instrumental in his magnanimity and promptness in getting all the necessary help needed. My genuine appreciation and gratitude to the Bishop, to Rev. Fr. Gilbert Pereira, the Parish of Rahata Parish, to our Sisters and to all those others involved offed their best in completing the work with efficacy who left no stone unturned in order to make it happen within a short span of time despite the forceful impact of Covid-19. 

6. Youtube Videos: A word of appreciation to all our Schools for their well rendered videos at different occasions including Founder’s 153^rd Birth Anniversary Celebration. Sisters at Prem Dan Community at Salvador do Mundo, also produced a video highlighting our Founder’s contribution. 
7. Fiat: Digital Print of the Annual Bulletin of our Congregation ‘FIAT’ presenting various activities of our different Institution by way of Reports and other creative write-ups was released on our Congregation feast 25^th March 2021.

8. Walking Pilgrimage: On behave of our Congregation our Sr. Sena Viegas participated in the Walking Pilgrimage to Sancoale and also headed the group of 36 particant at the Deanery Level. Many other Sisters participated in the Pilgrimage at the Parish Level and experienced muich peace and tranquillity.

9. Rectifications: The essential rectifications of name and date have been done in the Permanent Account Number (PAN) bearing No. AAABS0110M of the Society so as to match with that of the the Registration of the Society as follows:

1. Name as ‘Society of the Sisters of St. Alex’ from ‘Society of Sisters of St. Alex’ 
2. Date as ‘12^th July, 1963’ from 12^th March,1998

10. Triumphant entry into the Heavenly bliss: “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8.

Even though death is an inevitable reality, the unexpected and untimely demise of our dear Sr. Christina Jadhav and our Novice Preethi Gaikwad came to us like a thunderbolt. We also lost our Senior Sister Trinity Almeida due to the attack of Covid-19. It is hard to realise that they are no more among us. Yet we remain assured that their soul is in peace and that they have surely received the afterglow and rest in eternal bounty! I wish to also keep on record the demise of Fr. Patrick D’ Melo our former Spiritual Director who peacefully completed his earthly journey to enjoy the heavenly bliss. May his soul find rest in His divine Master’s arms. 

11. Closure of Krist Sevika Convent, Chandgad: I wish to inform you that the General Council of our Congregation has decided to discontinue the services of our Sisters at Krist Sevika Convent, Chandgad with effect from 1^st May 2021.  Our Sisters at Chandgad, have been working faithfully in collaboration with the Pilar Fathers. Now since the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) demands only trained teachers, it is not possible for the Congregation to provide trained Sisters to teach in the concerned School. We remain grateful to Pilar Fathers for giving us the opportunity to work with their collaboration at Chandgad for the past six years. 

12. 25 Glorious Years of Religious Life!

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me (you) all the days of my (your) life, and I (you) will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

We rejoice with our dear sisters, Antonette Mascarenhas, Melanius Almeida, Succorina Mascarenhas, Fransquina Fernandes, Flavia Fernandes and Daniella D’Silva at the completion of 25 Glorious Years of Religious Life! May the silver spark of their “Yes” turn into brilliant gold! 

13. THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS: I would like to give a huge appreciation and thank you to all our Sisters and our support staff working behind the scenes, particularly in our Aged homes for serving tirelessly and selflessly to care for those under their care in the fight against coronavirus. We’re truly inspired by your personal commitment to making a difference in these unprecedented and challenging times. Special thanks to our Sr. Christaline Colaco for her voluntary Service along with other volunteers, towards the Covid-19 Centre, temporarily introduced by the Archdiocese of Goa in Saint Joseph Vaz Spitituality Centre.  May God be your reward!

CONCLUSION: 

Undoubtedly, we shall look back on 2020 inversely and yet see new kinds of blessing, the blessings which were often tested as well nurtured by the Spirit. It is the kind that allow us to grow in deeper reliance on God’s strength, a greater compassion for others whose suffering is beyond our capacity to imagine and a fresh admiration for those who serve sacrificially in our society. There is power in trusting God and there is strength in our togetherness. Corona Virus has taught us a taut and tough lesson that life is about our ultimate destiny and about finding true happiness and meaning in life by trusting that He will finally work everything for our good and the good of our Society. 

I thank the Lord profusely not only for the way He has led us and blessed us but also for the way He enabled us to adapt to the new reality we have been experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I owe my deep sense of gratitude to your Grace, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão for his constant care and support.  We count on his prayers and blessings upon each of our sisters and upon our Apostolate. I wish to express my profound appreciation to the General Team for their understanding, guidance and constant encouragement. To Sisters my Sisters, our collaborators, well-wishers, and many others who have helped in varied ways, I wish to say a big ‘thank you’. Through the blessings and prayers of our Founder Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves, God had been exceptionally gracious to us. May he continue to inspire us, his daughters, to live lives of holiness by being true witnesses of God’s loving kindness and generosity. With God’s Divine Grace and under the maternal care of our patroness, Mother Mary, we seek to prayerfully discern the actions and commitments of our Congregation. 

INFERENCE: As we go through this challenging times, let us continue to reach out to one another, pray for one another and forgive one another. Let us amend our wrong ways and follow the ways of the Lord by being more humane and loving. We belong to One Living God and one humanity! Being humane we find the deepest meaning of life and faith! 

Sr. Faria Barretto

Superior General