In the heart of Goa, a land steeped in faith and tradition, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, love, and Catholic devotion across generations. Founded in 1935 by Fr. Faustino de Souza, a visionary diocesan priest from Anjuna, this indigenous religious order draws its inspiration from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Fr. Faustino’s mission was to nurture families as sacred spaces of faith, love, and service, addressing the spiritual and social needs of his time while leaving a legacy that continues to shape Catholic family life in Goa and beyond.
A Vision Born of Faith and Love
Fr. Faustino de Souza, born on November 24, 1893, was a man of deep prayer and unwavering trust in Divine Providence. His life was marked by a profound awareness of God’s presence, which fueled his mission to transform the religious and social landscape of Goa. At a time when the region was recovering from the suppression of religious institutes following a 1833 decree by King Dom Pedro of Portugal, Fr. Faustino recognized a critical need: the absence of a local religious order to serve Goa’s families. The nearly century-long ban had disrupted essential services like education and healthcare, leaving a void in spiritual and communal life. Observing that Goans with religious vocations often joined orders outside the region, he envisioned a congregation rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Goa, dedicated to uplifting families through faith and service.
Inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth, Fr. Faustino saw the family as the cornerstone of faith and society. The Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—embody a community of love, obedience, and trust in God’s will, enduring challenges through their unbreakable bond. For Fr. Faustino, this sacred model was not only a spiritual ideal but a practical blueprint for strengthening Catholic families across generations.
His congregation, founded on June 16, 1935, in Sancoale, Goa, was established to foster the virtues of the Holy Family, enabling families to live out their faith with resilience and love.
The Founding of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Fr. Faustino’s journey to establish the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth was one of courage and perseverance. In the early 20th century, Goa’s religious landscape was still reeling from historical upheavals. The rise of Portugal’s Estado Novo regime in 1928 provided a more favorable environment for religious renewal, and Fr. Faustino, as the pastor of Sancoale parish, seized this opportunity. With the support of Archbishop Patriarch Dom Theotonio Vieira de Castro, he sought help of the Bethany Sisters of Mangalore to train the first aspirants for his new order.
Three young women—Estelita Coutinho (Mother Josephine), Abelina Braganza (Mother Joana), and Sabina D’Souza (Mother Nativity)—were sent to Mangalore for their novitiate, later joined by Assuciana Silveira (Mother Edith). After rigorous formation, they returned to Goa, settling in the ancestral house of St. Joseph Vaz in Sancoale on June 16, 1935, marking the official founding of the congregation. The order received canonical recognition on March 25, 1952, under Patriarch Dom Jose de Costa Nunes, solidifying its role within the Church.
Fr. Faustino’s vision was deeply rooted in the spirituality of the Holy Family. He believed that families, like the Holy Family, could be sanctuaries of love and faith, where generations pass down the values of humility, prayer, and service. His “Pearls of Wisdom”—teachings emphasizing love, humility, silence, divine providence, and forgiveness—became the guiding principles for the sisters, shaping their mission to empower families and communities.
A Mission to Strengthen Families
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth took up Fr. Faustino’s call to serve families by addressing both their spiritual and temporal needs. Their ministries, which include education, pastoral care, social work, and empowerment initiatives, reflect a holistic approach to family life. Programs such as Asha Sadan, Kiran Niketan, Divya Gyan, and Nazareth Jeevandhara focus on uplifting marginalized communities, particularly women, children, and youth, through education, skill development, and economic independence.Asha Sadan, for instance, exemplifies the congregation’s commitment to the most vulnerable.
Established in 1992 at Baina, Goa’s red-light area, this initiative offers hope and dignity to commercial sex workers and their children through life skills and rehabilitation. The program has earned accolades, including the National Award for Child Welfare in 1996, and continues to embody Fr. Faustino’s vision of reaching out to the downtrodden with compassion and justice.
The sisters’ work extends beyond social outreach to nurturing the spiritual bonds of families. By running schools, catechetical programs, and homes for the elderly, they foster environments where faith is lived and shared across generations. Their involvement in diocesan activities and prison ministry further reflects their dedication to serving families in all their diversity, ensuring that the love and faith of the Holy Family permeate every aspect of community life.
The Holy Family as a Model for Generations
The Holy Family of Nazareth, as Fr. Faustino understood, is a timeless model for Catholic families. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph faced trials—poverty, exile, misunderstanding—yet remained united by love and faith. This resilience resonates with Catholic families today, who navigate modern challenges while striving to keep God at the center of their homes. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth carry forward this legacy, encouraging families to emulate the Holy Family’s virtues: silence that makes room for God, mutual care that nurtures love, and work that becomes prayer.Fr. Faustino’s congregation inspires families to pass down faith through generations, creating a living tradition of love and service. As Sr. Molly Fernandes, a member of the congregation, reflects, “When the roots are deep, there’s no fear of being uprooted by any fierce wind.” This rootedness in faith enables families to respond to life’s challenges with hope and generosity, mirroring the Holy Family’s trust in Divine Providence.
A Lasting Legacy
In March 2025, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth celebrated two milestones: the 73rd anniversary of their canonical erection and the 50th death anniversary of Fr. Faustino, who passed away on March 26, 1975. These commemorations underscored the enduring impact of his vision. From a small group of four women in Sancoale, the congregation has grown to serve across Goa and India, becoming a beacon of hope for countless families.
Fr. Faustino’s life was a testament to the transformative power of love rooted in faith. His forty years of pastoral ministry in Sancoale not only founded a congregation but also uplifted an entire village, turning a backward, isolated community into a thriving hub of faith and development. His spirit continues to inspire the sisters, who carry his “Pearls of Wisdom” into their daily work, ensuring that families remain strong in their bonds of faith and love.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, founded by Fr. Faustino de Souza, is a living embodiment of the Holy Family’s legacy. By drawing inspiration from Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the sisters empower Catholic families to live out their faith across generations, fostering love, resilience, and service. In a world where family life faces new challenges, Fr. Faustino’s vision remains profoundly relevant, reminding us that families rooted in generations of love and faith can transform communities and radiate God’s light. As the sisters continue their mission, they honor their founder’s dream, ensuring that the Holy Family of Nazareth remains a guiding star for families in our time.
