A Golden Jubilee of Grace: Celebrating Sr. Candida of Jesus
Every celebration is an opportunity to thank the Lord for His marvellous blessings. Jubilee celebrations, in particular, are sacred milestones—a time to reflect, praise, and rejoice in God's fidelity, marking fifty glorious years of divine favour and love.

On 7th July 2025, the Cloistered Carmel of Chicalim, Goa, experienced a unique day of deep joy and heartfelt thanksgiving as they joined Sr. Candida of Jesus in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of her Religious Profession. Fifty years ago, on 6th July 1975, she made a total offering of her life to God in the Congregation of the Hand Maids of Christ.

A Jubilee is a celebration of God’s tender love and unwavering faithfulness. It is a sacred time of heightened grace and a renewed response to God's call. The words of Scripture, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer 31:3), have remained a source of strength and assurance for Sr. Candida throughout her journey of faith.

A Journey Marked by Faith and Resilience - Born on 6th June 1953, in the picturesque village of Bogmalo, Goa, Sr. Alleluia Candida is the eldest daughter of Mr. Santan and Mrs. Inacinha Silveria. She brought immense joy to her family, especially to her grandmother, being the first grandchild in the Silveria household. Over the years, she became a pillar of strength and a guiding light to her many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Life, however, was not easy for young Candida. She lost her father at the tender age of three and, within a decade, also her stepfather. These early losses brought much struggle and pain. In search of a better future for her children, her mother enrolled them in the boarding school at St. Joseph’s Convent, Aquem, Margao, where Sr. Candida spent nine formative years. The Sisters at the convent became her second family, nurturing her through love, care, and education.

Moved by the spirit and dedication of the Hand Maids of Christ, she joined the Congregation on 2nd July 1972, at the age of 19. After seven years of faithful service, the Lord led her, in a mysterious yet grace-filled way, to a deeper call within the Cloistered Carmel. With the guidance of Rev. Fr. Patric D’Mello S.J., she discerned her vocation to the contemplative life. The doors of the Cloistered Carmel of Chicalim opened to her on 12th September 1982.
A Celebration of Gratitude and Grace - On this Jubilee Day, Sr. Candida once again renewed her total offering to God, surrounded by her dear ones and fellow Hand Maids. The Eucharistic Celebration was graced by the presence of the Carmelite Fathers from Mapusa Monastery, Emmaus and Pallottine Fathers from Chicalim.

Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza OCD, the main celebrant, delivered a profound homily, emphasizing that religious life is “an act of grace and remembrance”—a response of deep gratitude to God. He reminded all that we are called to leave behind a legacy of love, the true sign of consecration. When our gifts and achievements are surrendered as gifts back to God, then He can fully possess us. With St. Teresa, Sister too could proclaim: “Solo dios basta” – God alone suffices.

The celebration was a true outpouring of God’s heavenly blessings and grace upon Sr. Candida of Jesus, a faithful servant who continues to walk in the light of His everlasting love.