“The Lord has done great things for us, and holy is His name!” This triumphant cry filled the air as the Handmaids of Christ celebrated Sr. Serafica Baracho’s 100th birthday – the Congregation’s first centenary jewel, a symphony of gratitude for a life drenched in God’s boundless love.
At 100, Sr. Serafica shines as a living witness to divine faithfulness. Her indomitable spirit and outreaching heart, has touched countless souls, carrying God’s mercy to the needy and the marginalised. Her present days, cradled in the quiet sanctuary of silent prayers, radiate profound peace to all who know her. Blest beyond measure, she walked alongside the Congregation’s Founder, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves, treasuring sacred moments of his profound holiness. With sparkling joy, she recounts those encounters, sharing glimpses of a holiness that continues to inspire us.
At the outset, Sisters lined up gracefully to extend a cordial welcome to His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, in the very garden where the Founder’s mortal remains rest in a sacred monument, stirring sentiments of awe and wonder. During the Eucharistic Celebration, the Cardinal’s spiritual presence, unwavering concern, and his pearls of wisdom infused with heavenly delight. Seven concelebrating priests, including the Carmelite Fathers honouring Sr. Serafica’s brother-priest Fr. Boniface – a Carmelite himself – bridged distances to pray and participate. Brothers/Sisters from different congregations, Sr. Serafica’s family members, friends, benefactors, and well-wishers joined the Handmaids of Christ, transforming the day into a harmonious outpouring of love, kindness, and divine goodness.
The air resonated with heavenly voices from the choir of our Little Flower of Jesus High School, Calangute, led by Sr. Bernadette Furtado. Photographer William, the Capture Craft livestream team, and sound experts, Santan Fernandes wove beauty into every moment, ensuring the milestone’s glory reached beyond the gathered assembly. At the heart, stood the Mother House community – Superior General Sr. Faria Barretto, Superior Sr. Rosy Dias, enthusiastic Sisters, and our dedicated support staff – pouring tireless zeal and fervour into the glory and grandeur of the celebration. Special compliments went to Sr. Rosy Dias and Sr. Dorothy D’Souza for their extraordinary tender care of Sr. Serafica. God’s abundant rewards surely crown their selfless love!
On this glorious occasion, deepest gratitude poured out to the well-wishers, benefactors, family members, lay collaborators, and cherished friends. Each presence etched joy into Sr. Serafica’s fragile heart and the hearts of all Handmaids, standing with unyielding support.
As one rejoicing family, the congregation marvels at God’s enduring faithfulness, hearts lifted in heavenly delight. Sr. Serafica’s life, a marvellous heavenly gift of 100 years of grace, gratitude, and praise, inspires us to praise without cease, invite every soul into grace-filled thanksgiving, and urge all to extend mercy, cherish holiness, and live blest. This marks the first centenary birthday celebration in our Congregation of handmaids of Christ; 100 years of grace, a pinnacle that beckons more sisters to climb this holy mountain through faithful service, hope and humility. igniting the next generation in their sacred vocation.
May God’s richest blessings shower upon our beloved Centenarian Sr. Serafica Baracho and the Handmaids of Christ Congregation!
Sr. Sena Viegas
Handmaids of Christ
Calangute, Goa
