The Congregation of Handmaids of Christ, Goa, is joyfully celebrating two significant milestones this September 2024; the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation on September 19 and the 75th anniversary of its canonical erection on September 24. Over the past 90 years, the Handmaids of Christ have expanded their reach through 21 communities within the state and 11 communities beyond its borders.
Msgr Herculano Gonsalves, a diocesan priest from Benaulim, founded this first indigenous Congregation for Women in 1934, with a profound vision to embody Christ’s love through compassionate service to the needy, particularly children and women in distress. His mission to serve the destitute, orphaned, and less privileged is a guiding light for the Sisters today. The teachings of Msgr Herculano emphasized the essentials of religious life; ‘death to self’, unity of heart and mind and finding strength in the Passion of the Lord, the Blessed Sacrament and the intercession of Mother Mary. Through his correspondence and his inspiring life, he instilled a missionary spirit in the Sisters, encouraging them to live joyfully and gracefully in the Lord in the service of others.
They proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in and through their different apostolates which include; providing quality education to children from various backgrounds, caring for the Aged and less privileged children, offering compassionate care to the senior citizens and those in need of medical assistance, providing shelter and support for women, empowering the women through various skills like tailoring, art and craft, educating communities in faith and nurturing their spiritual growth. Their ministries expand in compassionately reaching out through prison ministry, hospital visits, anti-trafficking, working with the migrants, etc. The burning desire of their holy Founder, Msgr Herculano Gonsalves for the upliftment of the marginalized remains the cornerstone of their services, in all their Institutions.
On these momentous occasions, they are filled with gratitude to God for the vision and legacy of their Founder. His legacy continues to guide and inspire them as they strive to bring the light of Christ to the poor and the needy. This journey of grace is not just a celebration of the past; it is a commitment to a future filled with hope and compassion. They remain steadfast in their mission, embodying the love of Christ and serving as a beacon of hope in their quest to proclaim the good news to all they come in contact with.
As the Handmaids of Christ celebrate these significant milestones; there is
a heartfelt desire among the Sisters
to see Msgr Herculano Gonsalves, their holy Founder, being officially recognized as a saint. His life of holiness and unwavering service is a testament to his deep love for God and neighbour making him a fitting candidate for canonization.