Goa: The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross gathered in deep joy and gratitude to commemorate the bicentennial birth anniversary of their Co-Foundress, Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, at Asha Bhavan, Tivim. The solemn thanksgiving Eucharist marked a significant milestone in the congregation’s history, celebrating two centuries of a life poured out in mercy, love, and unwavering faith.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Francisco Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Christopher Church, Thivim, with Fr. Jason Coutinho OCD and Fr. Stany Pinto OCD as concelebrants. The liturgical choir was led by Sr. Rekha, and the gathering was warmly welcomed by Sr. Marshan Rodrigues, Superior of Asha Bhavan.
In his homily, Fr. Francisco Fernandes reflected on the enduring spiritual legacy of Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, describing her as “a woman who saw the face of Christ in the poor, the sick, and the suffering.” He urged the Sisters and faithful to draw inspiration from her simplicity and self-giving spirit, which transformed lives through acts of compassion and mercy.
Fr. Fernandes reminded the congregation that many saints began with nothing but a deep love for God. “Many saints started with nothing, yet their lives became fruitful because they were rooted in the love of Christ,” he said. “Like dry trees that blossomed, they offered shelter and hope to others.”
The commemoration coincided with the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, offering a fitting backdrop to celebrate a woman of mercy. Fr. Fernandes drew a parallel between St. Luke and Blessed Maria Theresa, noting that both embodied the healing compassion of Christ. “Like St. Luke, Blessed Maria Theresa healed not only bodies but hearts. Both remind us that holiness is lived through mercy,” he emphasized.
The celebrant further called on every Christian whether priest, religious, teacher, doctor, or layperson to live as “missionaries of love and mercy.” He urged the faithful to make compassion the cornerstone of their witness: “If the love of Christ does not urge us, we cannot truly serve.”
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a cultural program brought to life the story of Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, portraying her journey from humble beginnings in Switzerland to her tireless service among the poor and sick. The Sisters and students reenacted key moments from her life, blending prayer, song, and reflection.
Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, born Anna Maria Cathrine Scherer on October 31, 1825, in Meggen, Switzerland, was fondly called the “Sunny Child of Meggen” for her cheerful and kind disposition. From an early age, she was drawn to caring for the sick and orphaned, a calling that led her to join the community of teaching sisters founded by Fr. Theodosius Florentini in 1845.
In 1856, discerning a greater call to serve, she co-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross alongside Fr. Florentini. As Mother General for 31 years, she guided the congregation through hardship and growth, establishing hospitals, schools, and homes for the destitute across Europe. Her leadership and resilience anchored the order in a deep spirituality of mercy.
Two centuries later, the mission of Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer continues to flourish. Today, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross number more than 2,600 members across 18 countries, working in hospitals, schools, orphanages, and social outreach centers. In India, their presence remains vibrant, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare, where they serve the marginalized with humility and faith.
The bicentennial celebration in Goa was not merely a remembrance but a renewal of commitment to live the charism of mercy that Blessed Maria Theresa embodied. Her life remains a radiant example that holiness is found not in grand gestures, but in small, steadfast acts of love.
As the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross continue her legacy into a new century, their Co-Foundress’s words echo in their mission:
“Wherever there is suffering, there is our field of labour. Let us be instruments of Christ’s mercy.”