Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman presided over a special Eucharistic celebration marking the 75th death anniversary of Msgr. Herculano D. Gonsalves, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Handmaids of Christ.
The Mass, held at St. Alex Church in Calangute, was concelebrated by Fr. Polly Lobo, Parish Priest of St. Alex Church, along with other priests.
In his homily, themed “Inspired by Monsignor Herculano, Let Us Become Proclaimers of Hope,” Cardinal Ferrão invited the faithful to follow Monsignor Herculano’s example as a beacon of hope, encouraging them to live as proclaimers and missionaries of hope.
Referring to the Jubilee Year bull of indiction Spes non Confundit, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the faithful of the signs of hope Pope Francis emphasizes, especially for prisoners, the elderly, the poor, the sick, and the youth. He encouraged everyone to become visible signs of hope within their communities.
The cardinal said, "Monsignor Herculano founded St. Alex Orphanage and Little Flower High School to serve those in need, offering them not just assistance but the gift of hope.”
As President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), Cardinal Ferrão noted that Monsignor Herculano established the first diocesan congregation, offering local candidates an early opportunity to embrace their religious calling and dedicate themselves to serving the poor.
Referring to the bull of indiction for the Jubilee Year Spes non Confundit, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the faithful of the signs of hope emphasized by Pope Francis, especially for prisoners, the elderly, the poor, the sick, and the youth. He urged everyone to become visible signs of hope within their communities.
Highlighting Monsignor Herculano’s legacy, the cardinal noted that he founded St. Alex Orphanage and Little Flower High School to serve those in need, offering assistance and the enduring gift of hope.
Cardinal Ferrão further underscored that Monsignor Herculano established Goa’s first diocesan congregation to help local candidates embrace their religious calling early and dedicate their lives to serving the poor and marginalized.
As President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Cardinal Ferrão emphasized Monsignor Herculano’s deep life of prayer and unwavering dependence on God. He urged members of the congregation and the faithful to model these virtues in their daily lives.
He expressed his heartfelt hope that, by God’s will, Monsignor Herculano may one day be officially recognized as a saint.
During the commemoration, two significant publications were launched: A Path to Holiness, a biography of Monsignor Herculano written by Sr. Faria Barretto H.C., Superior General of the Congregation, and Letters of Our Founder—Longings of his Heart, a collection compiled by Sr. Adrianne H.C.
Cardinal Ferrão had the honor of releasing both works and shared his immense joy and pride at seeing two books dedicated to celebrating the life and teachings of Monsignor Herculano.
He highlighted the profound impact of Monsignor Herculano’s life on the Church and the wider community, describing him as an inspiring example of holiness. “Monsignor Herculano lived as a holy priest, and his life remains a powerful inspiration for all of us to follow him on the path of holiness,” he added.
He further reflected on Monsignor Herculano’s well-known message to "look up to heaven, die to self, and live for others," underscoring that by living out these principles, Monsignor Herculano not only achieved sanctity but also spread the spirit of holiness throughout the community.
Cardinal Ferrão expressed his hope that Monsignor Herculano’s life would inspire the faithful to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, serve others with joy, and grow in holiness. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Sr. Faria Barretto HC, Superior General of the Congregation, and Sr. Adrianne HC for their dedication and contribution as authors of the newly released books.
In the foreword to A Path to Holiness, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of Goa, reflected on Monsignor Herculano’s remarkable life and enduring sanctity, describing the biography as a testament to his selfless service and deep faith.
Fernandes added, “May Monsignor Herculano’s life, as depicted in this book, inspire us all to walk the path of holiness, seeking spiritual growth and fruitfulness on our journeys.”
Cardinal Ferrão also unveiled a photo frame of Monsignor Herculano during the event. Sr. Faria Barretto H.C., Superior General of the Congregation, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all present. The Herculano Choir enriched the celebration with their liturgical singing, while Sr. Joanita D'Souza H.C. gracefully anchored the book release ceremony.
Monsignor Herculano, born in Cana-Benaulim, Goa, dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalized, particularly children and women in need. Ordained a priest in 1892, he rose to prominence as a symbol of hope in the early 1930s.
His legacy of compassion and service is evident in the key institutions he founded, including St. Alex Orphanage and Little Flower of Jesus High School, which served the underprivileged. In 1934, Monsignor Herculano cemented his mission by founding the Congregation of the Sisters of Handmaids of Christ, leaving a lasting imprint on the Church and society.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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