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Lotoulim - Goa , May 15, 2025 : The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar, popularly known as the Pilar Sisters, marked a significant milestone on Tuesday with a solemn celebration at Saviour of the World Church, Loutolim. During a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of  Goa and Daman, two sisters made their definitive commitment, while three others commemorated 25 years of religious life. Pilar Sisters also celebrated their ‘Society  Day’ on the same day.

Fr. Simon Fernandes Parish Priest of Saviour of the World Church Lotoulim, Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the  Society of Pilar  Fr Joaquim Fernandes Svd, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Fr Joaquim Rebelo Sfx Provincial Superior of Goa Province of Society of Pilar Fr Sanjay  Fernandes Ofm Cap Parish Priest of  Our Lady of Rosary church, Shelti ( Nagar Haveli) and several other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.

Sr Mital Sambar Shelti- Nagar Haveli ) and Sr Corina Pereira (Lotoulim) made their definitive commitment at the hands of Sr Luiza Fernandes, the Mother General of the congregation, formally sealing their lifelong commitment to the religious vocation.

The occasion also witnessed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Sr Hazel Fernandes (Sanvordem), Sr Conceição Gomes ( Arossim- Cansaulim), and Sr Sandia Azavedo Q( Arossim- Cansaulim), honouring their 25 years of dedicated service within the congregation.

In his homily, Bishop Simião Fernandes on the theme ‘Transmitters of God’s love to others,  called on the faithful to embrace the simple and humble lifestyle exemplified by Pope Francis, urging them to proclaim the Gospel through lives of authentic witness. Reflecting on the mission of Jesus, the Bishop emphasized the importance of loving and serving especially those on the peripheries of society.

“We must deepen our relationship with Jesus through prayer,” Bishop Simião stated, “so that we may become true transmitters of God’s love.”

He also encouraged the Sisters and the  faithful to imitate Christ, learn from His example, value the apostolate, and actively reach out to others in need.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Simião prayed, “May Our Lady of Pilar, patroness of the Pilar Sisters, help us to spread God’s love to all.”

Bishop Simião congratulated the Sisters and appreciated the service of the Pilar Sisters in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.Fr Diogo D’Souza, sfx, Director of  Fr.Agnel Seminary, Batim served as the liturgical commentator, while Seminarian Ryan Mascarenhas and  Sr Alzira  Gomes msp animated the liturgy. The celebration was further enriched by liturgical singing led by the Youth Saviourites choir.

Fr. Simon Fernandes, Parish Priest of Saviour of the World Church, warmly welcomed Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, on the occasion of his first official visit to the Parish of Loutolim following his Episcopal Ordination. He also extended a heartfelt welcome to all the faithful gathered for the celebration.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the sisters, Sr Corina Pereira thanked all those who supported and journeyed with them. Sr Luiza Fernandes, in her address, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation and encouragement and appealed to the parents to encourage their children to say ‘Yes’ to God’s call.  

Sisters who made their definitive commitment and celebrated Silver Jubilee were felicitated after the mass.