Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Celebrate Bicentennial of Their Co-Foundress in Goa

Goa, October 19, 2025: The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross joyfully marked the 200th birth anniversary of their Co-Foundress, Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, with a solemn celebration at Asha Bhavan, Tivim, Goa. The thanksgiving Eucharist 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.

In his homily, Fr. Francisco Fernandes invited the faithful and the Sisters to emulate the spirit of love, humility, and service that characterised the life of Blessed Maria Theresa. Expressing gratitude for her legacy, he described her as “a woman who saw the face of Christ in the poor, the sick, and the suffering.”

Reflecting on the humble beginnings of many saints, Fr. Fernandes said, “Many saints started with nothing, yet their lives became fruitful because they were rooted in the love of Christ. Like dry trees that blossomed, they offered shelter and hope to others.”

Drawing a connection between the day’s celebration and the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, he observed that both St. Luke and Blessed Maria Theresa shared the same spirit of mercy. “Like St. Luke, Blessed Maria Theresa healed not only bodies but hearts. Both remind us that holiness is lived through mercy,” he remarked.

He further reminded the congregation that every Christian, regardless of vocation, is called to serve: “Whether you are a priest, religious, doctor, teacher, or layperson, you are called to be a missionary of love and mercy.” Fr. Fernandes urged the faithful to imitate Blessed Maria Theresa’s compassion and to make acts of mercy a hallmark of their Christian witness. “If the love of Christ does not urge us, we cannot truly serve,” he said.

The celebration began with a warm welcome from Sr. Marshan Rodrigues, Superior of Asha Bhavan, Tivim, while Sr. Rekha led the liturgical singing. Following the Eucharist, a short cultural programme was presented, depicting the life and mission of the Co-Foundress.

A Life Poured Out in Mercy

Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer, born Anna Maria Cathrine on 31 October 1825 in Meggen, Switzerland, affectionately known as the “Sunny Child of Meggen,” displayed early signs of compassion for the sick and a profound call to religious life. In 1845, she joined the teaching sisters founded by Fr. Theodosius Florentini and later directed a hospital in Chur, where she cared for the poor and orphaned.

In 1856, responding to the growing need for a community devoted to mercy, she co-founded the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross with Fr. Florentini and led it as Mother General for 31 years. Despite numerous challenges, she established hospitals, schools, and homes for the marginalised, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and faith.

Today, more than 2,600 Sisters across 18 countries continue her mission, embodying the same spirit of mercy and dedication that guided their Co-Foundress two centuries ago.

Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Celebrate Bicentennial of Their Co-Foundress in Goa

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