Superior General’s Message

Dear Sisters and Collaborators in Christ,

“Abide in Me.” (Jn 15:4)

As we embrace the pastoral theme for 2026–2027, may Christ’s love become our shelter and strength. Let us dwell daily in His presence, drawing life from Him through faithful prayer, humble service, and joyful companionship. United in His love, our lives will bear abundant fruit and become visible signs of hope, mercy, and gentle compassion to those we serve.

Looking back with gratitude, we see a year woven with achievements, anniversaries, commitments, losses and challenges. Through every high and low, God has been faithful, guiding and perfecting our path. Each moment—large or small—reveals His abundant grace and calls us to share that compassionate love with our world.

Today we face many questions and painful realities: unrest in families and communities, limitations within our own Congregation, and the pervasive effects of evil in society. In such times, how do we remain authentic and self-giving? How do we foster new vocations and accompany those searching for meaning?

The answer remains: abide in Him. It is not by our strength but by Christ working through us that hearts are warmed and lives are transformed. Like the lotus that rises pure above muddy waters, may we stand out in holiness while remaining tender and accessible to those who suffer. People today hunger not merely for material things but for faithful accompaniment—patient listening, steady presence, and compassionate guidance. May our quiet, faithful witness, rooted in Christ, become the fertile soil from which compassion, hope, and new vocations bloom.

Pray without ceasing that the Holy Spirit, who moves beyond human understanding, will bear abundant fruit through our loving service. Celebrate small signs of grace, for God’s mercies often grow quietly in ordinary moments. Let love be our first and last word.

We draw deep inspiration from our holy Founder, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves — a priest rooted in Christ whose vision, compassionate love, and sacrificial service to the poor, especially women and children, continue to shape our mission. His faithful witness and his motto, “All for God, only for God, and always for God,” live on in every Handmaid who says “yes” again and again.

As we begin this pastoral year, let us remain deeply united in Christ, listen with open hearts, discern with wisdom, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us toward greater inclusion, understanding, and peace. Drawing strength from Mary’s unwavering ‘YES’ and the legacy of our Founder, may we continue to foster hope and compassion to whom we love and serve.

With deep gratitude to my Sisters, family members, collaborators, benefactors, and all who share in our mission, I bless you with a fruitful and grace-filled Pastoral Year. May we faithfully abide in Him, draw our strength from His love, and bear abundant fruit for the kingdom.

With blessings,

Sr. Faria Barretto HC

Superior General

Handmaids of Christ, Goa