Nestled on the Araddhi hillock in Calangute, Goa, stands St. Alex Convent, the Mother House of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ, a beacon of selfless service and devotion to God. Founded in 1934 by Msgr. Herculano Damaceno Gonsalves, a diocesan priest from Benaulim, Goa. This indigenous Goan Congregation for Women Religious has grown from a humble vision into a vibrant community of several professed members, serving across in Goa and beyond its borders. Their mission, inspired by their founder’s Christ-like compassion, is to serve the poor, the destitute, the orphaned and the marginalized, particularly, children and women in distress,” embodying a life that truly reflects the spirit of ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord‘.
A Vision Born of Compassion
The story of the Handmaids of Christ begins with Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves, a man of profound faith and missionary zeal, whose heart yearned to serve the most vulnerable. Born on February 11, 1868, in Cana, Benaulim, and ordained in 1892, Msgr. Gonsalves was renowned for his dynamic spirituality and visionary leadership. In 1930, as Vicar of St. Alex Church in Calangute, he founded an orphanage at Gauravaddo to care for needy children, which soon led to the establishment of the first English medium school in Calangute—Little Flower of Jesus School. Inspired by his compassion, a group of young women joined him, forming the “Pious Association of the Sisters of St. Alex” in 1934, marking the birth of the first indigenous Goan congregation for women religious, and indeed the first such congregation in Portuguese India. Officially canonically erected as a congregation on September 24, 1949, and later renamed the Congregation of Handmaids of Christ after Vatican II, this community has stood as a testament to his vision.
A Legacy of Spiritual Guidance
Msgr. Gonsalves’ charism was rooted in incarnating Christ’s love through service to the poor, nourished by prayer, the Eucharist, and devotion to Our Lady, whom he lovingly called minha mãe (my mother). Even after being appointed Vicar General in Ghats-Belgaum, he continued to guide the Sisters through heartfelt letters and frequent visits, urging them to remain detached from worldly distractions and united in heart and mind for God’s kingdom. His encouragement fostered unity and inspired the Sisters to serve faithfully, advancing the mission of the congregation. His enduring motto, “Live, Love, and Labour in the Service of Christ,” continues to guide and inspire the Handmaids of Christ in their mission today.
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A Mission of Love and Labour
The Handmaids of Christ have remained steadfast in their commitment to serving the most needy, especially children and women. Their apostolic works span education, healthcare, social services, and pastoral care, addressing the needs of the poor and marginalized. In Goa, they run schools such as Little Flower of Jesus H/S in Calangute (1931), St. Thereza’s Convent H/S in Raia (1949), Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Valpoi (1951), Immaculate Heart of Mary H/S in Goa Velha (1953), and St. Joseph H/S in Aquem-Alto, Margao (1962). These schools cater to underprivileged children, offering holistic formation and residential boarding for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Sisters also operate orphanages, homes for seniors, day care centres, and vocational training centres that empower women with skills like fashion designing and flower making.
Blending Service with Spiritual Devotion
Beyond traditional ministries, the Sisters are actively involved in catechesis, family visits, prison ministry, anti-human trafficking efforts, faith and youth formation, and fostering reconciliation in broken homes. They also produce hosts for the Eucharist and candles, seamlessly blending practical service with spiritual devotion. Every act of service reflects their deep commitment to bringing Christ’s love to those in need. Their work embodies the transformative power of faith in action, as they see each effort as a means to touch lives and uplift the marginalized with compassion and hope.
Spreading Beyond Goa
While rooted in Calangute, the Handmaids of Christ have extended their mission far beyond Goa, answering the call to serve in diverse regions. Their communities outside Goa include missions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Diu, the North East (Assam), and even for a time in the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, where they had begun serving in August 2013. In these areas, they run pre- primary schools, offer medical aids, and conduct social uplift programs, adapting to local needs while staying true to their founder’s vision. Their services in the mission areas are testaments to their commitment to education and empowerment in rural and underserved areas. Whether in the remote villages of India or anywhere they serve, the sisters work tirelessly to uplift the marginalized, offering hope and practical support through education, healthcare, and community-building initiatives.
Celebrating 90 Years of Faith
On September 19, 2024, the Handmaids of Christ marked their 90th Foundation Day at St. Alex Convent, Calangute—a milestone that also celebrated the 75th anniversary of their canonical erection. The Eucharistic celebration, led by Bishop Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, was filled with gratitude and spiritual renewal. In his homily, Bishop Simião introduced the theme of the “3 Rs”—Recount, Renew, and Revisit—encouraging the Sisters to reflect on their blessings, renew their commitment, and revisit their founder’s vision in the context of today’s challenges.
75th Death Anniversary of Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves
As they marked this remarkable anniversary on March 21, 2025, they honoured the visionary leadership of their Founder, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves and seize this as an opportunity to spread the relevance of his holiness and his intercessions in order to assist them to initiate the process of his canonization. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão was invited to celebrate the Eucharist. The occasion was celebrated with great preparation, meaning and spiritual adherence and devotion. The Commission for Spirituality headed by Sr. Perpetua Vaz shared their time, energy and talent.
Living a “Behold the Handmaid”
The Handmaids of Christ exemplify a life wholly dedicated to God, faithfully living out their founder’s call to be “only for God, all for God, always for God.” Their selfless service, deeply rooted in prayer and the Eucharist, transforms lives through education, care for the vulnerable, and empowerment of the marginalized. From the serene shores of Calangute to distant lands, their mission continues to spread Christ’s love, making their lives a resounding “Behold the Handmaid” in response to God’s call.
A Pledge for the Future
Sr. Faria Barretto, Superior General, reaffirms that their dedication to embodying Christ’s love and expressed hope that Msgr. Gonsalves would one day be recognized as a saint for his enduring legacy. As they look to the future, the Handmaids of Christ remain anchored in their founder’s vision, adapting to contemporary needs while staying anchored in their core values of service, love, and labour. Their story is a testament to the power of a single dream—born in the heart of Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves—to inspire generations of women to live for others, bringing light and hope to the darkest corners of society.
