Fri Sep 20 12:46:04 UTC 2024: ## Handmaids of Christ Celebrate 90 Years of Service and Compassion
**Calangute, Goa** – The Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ, founded in 1934 by Monsignor Herculano Gonsalves, marked its 90th anniversary on September 19th, 2024, with a celebratory mass at the Mother House in Calangute, Goa.
Bishop Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, presided over the event, emphasizing the theme of “Three R’s”: Recount, Renew, and Revisit. He encouraged the faithful to remember the blessings received, revitalize their mission, and reflect on their past to inspire future endeavors.
Bishop Fernandes connected Monsignor Gonsalves’ vision with the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, urging the congregation to serve marginalized communities.
Sister Faria Barretto HC, Mother General, echoed the sentiment of gratitude for God’s guidance and expressed the Congregation’s commitment to continuing their mission of embodying Christ’s love and serving as a beacon of hope. She also shared the sisters’ aspiration for Monsignor Gonsalves to be officially recognized as a saint.
The celebration included cultural performances like liturgical singing and a musical operetta depicting Monsignor Gonsalves’ life. The Congregation also honored Bishop Simião Fernandes for his recent appointment.
The Handmaids of Christ, now with 137 professed members and four formees across 21 communities in Goa and 11 beyond, continue their mission of uplifting the underprivileged through education, healthcare, and social services.
The 90th anniversary served as a reminder of the Congregation’s rich history of service and compassion, inspiring members to renew their commitment to the founder’s vision and continue serving those in need.
First Piper 