On April 23, 2024, the Holy Family Chapel in Sancoale, in the western Indian state of Goa, was graced with a solemn and joyous celebration as Sr. Raiza Fernandes of Cansaulim made her final profession of perpetual vows as a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
This significant milestone in her spiritual journey was themed “An offering of love, dedicated to the Word of God and spreading hope.”
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, with Frs. Roblan and Peter Britto concelebrating. In his homily, the cardinal highlighted the sacredness of perpetual vows and the call to a life of humility, grace, and self-giving love.
He invited Sr. Raiza to embrace her vocation with courage, fidelity, and a deep connection to Christ through prayer, reflection on the Word, and Eucharistic devotion.
The liturgy featured an inspiring entrance procession and hymns that reflected the core values of faith, hope, and love. Sr. Raiza’s profession of chastity, poverty, and obedience was a moving moment that affirmed her lifelong commitment to God and service to the Church.
In her address, the Superior General welcomed Sr. Raiza into the congregation as a fully professed member, encouraging her to follow the legacy of their founder by reaching out to the poor and marginalized.
She reminded Sr. Raiza of the mission to be a beacon of love and hope through unity, service, and faithful adherence to the Congregation’s Constitutions.
Before the Mass, Sr. Myra Mendes delivered an inspiring presentation on the history and mission of the Holy Family Congregation, offering a meaningful context to the day’s celebration.
During the celebration, Cardinal Ferrao urged the faithful to support one another through prayer, avoid gossip or judgment, and become “pilgrims of hope” by spreading light to the distressed, especially in times of hardship.
He reminded all that just as Christ accompanied the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too are called to journey with others in faith, breaking the Word and sharing the Bread.
The Holy Family Chapel, simply yet elegantly adorned, was filled with sisters, family, and well-wishers who gathered to support and pray for Sr. Raiza.
Fr. Kevan Rodrigues and his choir led the singing, enriching the atmosphere with hymns that celebrated surrender and divine joy, while Sr. Jeryssa Pereira led the commentary with grace.
The Cardinal also extended heartfelt thanks to the parish priests of Sancoale, the parishioners of Cansaulim, and the wider community for their support of the Holy Family Sisters.
Sr. Raiza concluded the ceremony with a touching message of gratitude, thanking the Cardinal, concelebrants, spiritual directors, superior generals, mistresses, choir members, and all present for their prayers, love, and encouragement.
This final profession was not just a personal milestone for Sr. Raiza but a celebration of faith and dedication—a powerful testimony to the enduring grace of religious life and the mission of spreading hope through love.
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.
Latest News
