Inauguration Of ‘Open Hearts And Hands Ministry” At Saligao, Goa

The inauguration of the “Open Hearts and Hands Ministry to the Needy”  - Saligao, GOA took place on 17th August, 2019, at the hands of our beloved Archbishop Felipe NeriFerrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman.  This event was well attended by members of the Vincent de Paul Society of Goa (SSVP), Priests, Sisters and Parishioners, and our Sisters from the different communities.

It was a RED LETTER DAY for us, as our small little ORATORY, with the Blessed Sacrament, the Presence of our Saviour Jesus Christ, brought new strength and courage to us in this mission with the Migrants and Marginalized.

The day was bright and sunny and dry, after a spell of incessant rains.  Gods loving presence for this mission was seen powerfully, in everything falling in place, making clear that HE wants our presence amidst HIS people here.

The Oratory being small accommodated the Bishop, Priest and Sisters of the community and representatives of SSVP.  The rite of the Blessing of the oratory was meaningfully conducted, followed by Holy Mass and the Blessing of the House.

A Vote of thanks was given by Sr. Ophelia Fernandes, our Provincial Superior.The ceremony came to an end, with snacks served to all the people present, followed by a get together of the Archbishop, priests, Sisters, Conference members and Central Council Members of the SSVP.
We acknowledge our sincere gratitude to Sr. Ophelia, her Councillors, our Goa region communities and SSVP members who supported us in every way, to make this event a grand success.

We, the  Sisters of this Community (Srs. Deepika, Vasantha, Aplonia)  reach out to the migrant families and their children.  We run a Day Care Centre for Migrant children, educating them to stand on par with other children in schools, enabling their parents to work and earn their daily bread.  We reach out to the Senior Citizens in the locality, especially the homebound, who are lost and lonely, and with their timely visits bring joy, hope and brightness in the lives of these people .  Besides, we are engaged with Pastoral work in the Parish.

May God bless this mission we have ventured into, in collaboration with the Society of Vincent de Paul of Saligao, GOA who along with us, cater to the needy in this area. Do keep us in prayers.

Sr. Deepika D’Souza.