I am Sr. Faria Barretto hailing from the picturesque village of Galgibaga. I am the third in the family among five siblings – three sisters and two brothers. Our family is blest with two daughters as Religious Sister. My younger Sister has joined Missionary Sisters of Pilar, Loutolim.
I joined the indigenous Congregation of Goan origin Known as ‘Handmaids of Christ’, way back in 1985 soon after my SSC exam. On joining the Congregation, I was asked to continue further studies along with other four companions. After completing std. 12th, I had three years of religious formation during which period our number increased to nine.
My first profession along with my nine companions was held in 1990. In the words of our Heavenly Mother, I sing the praises of the one who has worked wonders in my life as a Religious: “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” Luke 1:49
I am glad for having responded to God’s call and more so to be serving Him in this Congregation of Handmaids of Christ. For me life, is so beautiful. The joy of religious life is profound. I truly believe that He makes all things beautiful to those who love Him. The Lord has touched me, He continues to touch my life in varied ways. I have been enriched not only by the gift of education and professional opportunities, but more especially by the gift of loving relationship with God, the Sisters of my Congregation and all those whom I love and serve.
Undoubtedly, like any other life, religious life is not a bed of roses. There have been thorns amidst roses and the thorns brought depth in my life. I experienced God more deeply amidst the storms of life than when the sea of life was calm and everything seemed to be moving on smoothly.
As a Sister, I have been mostly teaching in the School. Currently I am the Superior General of my Congregation. Till date what I have been able to achieve is not on my own accord but with the strength and power of God, the accompaniment of Mother Mary and the powerful intercession of our holy Founder, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves.
This year as I come to the end of my six years term as a Superior General, I have almost nothing to regret. I say so very confidently not because I have accomplished everything but because I know I have done my best. As a Superior General of my Congregation, I had a closer walk with Jesus than ever before. Earlier, I had a feeling that being at the helm isn’t my cup of tea. I was almost caught up almost unaware. My election as a General was so magical and so unexpected. In my wildest dreams I had not imagined that I would ever be at the helm of my Congregation. As Superior General, my Sisters placed their profound trust in me.
Choosing the theme: ‘Empowered by God’s Mercy, to be at the service of all’, I embarked on my journey as the Superior General sorely trusting that the Lord will manage and consequently God’s unremitting and merciful love has never failed. Even though I felt I was physically not so strong, God knew that I could be at my best only in and through Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9.
Every milestone achieved, I accepted with great humility and this wouldn’t have been possible without the co–operation and support of my Sisters, my relatives, benefactors, well-wishers and an array of people who stood by me in good as well as unpleasant episodes in the journey of my life. He has been there, He is there, He will always be there. God never fails. He makes all things beautiful. May His name be praised forever.
MY MISSION STATEMENT
AS A SISTER:
Maximise the Divine in me.
Remain empowered by the Spirit of God in order to spread love and goodness.
To live and to encourage others to live a fuller life.
AS A SUPERIOR GENERAL:
To create an atmosphere of friendliness and mutual understanding.
To raise the self-esteem of my Sisters and to bring out the best in them.
To affect a positive change.
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT:
Miracles happen every moment of our life.
Life is a most beautiful gift from our Creator.
Each one is a precious child of God.
Love makes all things possible.
I can make a difference.
A blessing said silently can effect a change.
‘There is something powerful within each of us that is planted by the One who created us.’
ASSURANCES:
“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give you rest.” Ex 33:14
“He Has Made Everything Beautiful in Its Time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
“I am always with you until the end of time.” Mt 28:20
MY DESIRE: Love has the power, the power to create and to build.
It is from this power I would like to operate.
