The Society of the Helpers of Mary joyfully celebrated 50 years of dedicated service at Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, Goa, on 23 January 2026. The occasion also commemorated the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM, making it a twin jubilee of grace, gratitude, and committed service.
The solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. In his homily, themed “Celebrating Golden Years of Grace, Gratitude, and Service,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the twin jubilee as a sacred journey guided by God’s grace and sustained through faithful service. Drawing inspiration from the congregational motto, “Live for Love,” he described the jubilee as a celebration of fifty years of the Sisters’ ministry at Rivona and the consecrated life of Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM. Referring to the biblical Jubilee tradition and the life of St. Mother Teresa, he emphasized self-giving love, with Mary as the perfect model of service, care, and compassion, lived out through a daily commitment to love and mercy.
Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, a mission of the Society of the Helpers of Mary, founded by Mother Anna Huberta Roggendorf in 1942, began its service on 22 May 1976 in response to the pastoral invitation of Archbishop Raul Gonsalves and Rev. Fr. Leopoldine Dias. The mission was initiated by the sisters with a vision of holistic development rooted in Gospel values.
Initially focused on medical and maternal care, the mission established dispensaries and mobile clinics. Over the years, it expanded to include education, childcare, women’s empowerment, agricultural sustainability, and social outreach. Significant milestones include the Children’s Home, HIV/AIDS Care Centre, Imelda Ghar for trafficked girls, alternative education programmes, and women’s self-help groups. Rivona later became the Provincialate of St. Francis Xavier – South Province.
Today, the mission continues its service through care for children and the elderly, pastoral ministry, and migrant outreach, standing as a living witness to five decades of faith, service, and compassion.
The programme following the Eucharistic Celebration began with the Congregational Anthem, followed by a vibrant welcome dance by the Bal Nivas children, which added colour and joy to the occasion. The dignitaries present were felicitated in recognition of their leadership, guidance, and continued support. The Society of the Helpers of Mary also honoured Cardinal Ferrão for his pastoral encouragement and presence.
A cultural programme was presented thereafter. Dr. Umesh Netravalkar was felicitated for his 45 years of dedicated honorary service, along with benefactors and Sisters, in appreciation of their invaluable contribution to the mission. The felicitation was carried out by Cardinal Ferrão, Sr. Annie Fernandes SHM, Superior General, and Sr. Gladys D’Souza SHM, Provincial Superior of St. Francis Xavier Province.
Speaking on the occasion, Sr. Annie Fernandes SHM, Superior General, expressed profound gratitude to God for fifty years of a mission born of faith and courage, which has grown into a beacon of compassionate service. She paid tribute to the pioneer Sisters and warmly congratulated Sr. Rukmini Cardozo SHM on her fifty years of faithful consecrated life.
With grateful hearts, the sisters and the community thank God for His countless blessings. Sr. Leena Nazareth SHM, Superior of Nitya Seva Niketan, Rivona, proposed the vote of thanks.
