The long awaited day had arrived as we celebrated the silver jubilee of “Snehavardhini” on 2nd October 2015. The name of our house which means stream of love is reflected in its faith, love, service and education as a process of awakening individual potential to creative knowledge inculcating in them the desire to excel in various spheres. The completion of twenty-five years was indeed a major milestone in the life of our Congregation here in Roha. Really it was a grace filled celebration where many witnessed including many sisters who are working for Raigad mission. Bishop Agnelo Gracias was the main celebrant along with 11 priests who con celebrated the mass. It was our joy to have Fr. Fred Sopena Sj who is the pioneer of this mission. The Eucharistic celebration began with an entrance procession and the dance captured the spirit of the day, the joy rippling through the liturgy and drawing us across the threshold of ordinariness to a place of Jubilee. In the introduction it was mentioned about the grace of God at work. The backdrop which mentioned “Thank You Lord” and the decorations expressed the gratitude of the sisters for accompanying and guiding them in these past 25 years. Even though we are like fragile pots, with our weaknesses and human shortcomings, but containing treasure far beyond our wildest imaginations. The invitation was for us to continue to be Co–Creators in God’s work. The reading was from Isaiah chapter 61 where we are reminded that the Spirit of the Lord has been given to us, that we are anointed and sent out in its power. It is a spirit of action, inviting us to bring Good News to the poor, healing broken hearts, announcing Liberty to captives, freedom to prisoners and comfort to all who mourn, and the gospel was from sending the apostles for a mission where we too as Handmaids of the Sacred Heart are called and send by the Lord where our entire possession is the grace of God and our faith in Him. 

The Jubilee celebration was a moment to recall all the good that the Lord has done for us in these past 25 years, we felt that we are celebrating the love of God visibly at work among us. It made us to look back with gratitude to God for the numerous blessings, for the people who journeyed with us, supported us, and inspired us and many who still continue to do so. We felt that this celebration was an act of faith. The choir was so melodious it filled the church with a prayerful atmosphere and our non Christians neighbors played the different instruments. After the communion there was a thanksgiving dance performed by our hostel students. We felt that through this dance we the Handmaids at Roha and along with us all the people thanked the Lord for the wonders that He has done for each one of us and at large to the People of God.
After the mass there was a short documentary on the achievement of our work in this past 25 years. During this time some refreshments were distributed to the people. Then there was felicitation done to all the dignitaries and significant people who have played an important role in the life and mission of Snehavardhini community. The celebration ended with a sumptuous meal where everyone returned home happily parsing God and thanking Him for the gift of Handmaids in Roha.     Suvarna Fernandes aci