Be ‘Light of the World,’ Cardinal Ferrão Urges at Milagris Cathedral Dedication

Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, May 9, 2026: Calling the faithful to a deeper and more authentic witness of Christian life, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão urged the Church to become “the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and a transforming leaven in society” during the solemn dedication of the new Cathedral of Our Lady of Milagris in the Diocese of Sindhudurg on May 9.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Archbishop Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay.

Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Ferrão centred his homily on the identity and mission of the Church, reminding the congregation that faith is not confined to structures but lived through people. “Through Baptism, we become living stones,” he said, emphasising that every Christian is an integral part of the Mystical Body of Christ, called to build a vibrant and witnessing community.

The Cardinal stressed that authentic Christian life must be nourished by prayer, reflection on the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The newly dedicated cathedral, he noted, should serve not merely as a place of worship but as a spiritual home where faith is continually deepened and renewed.

Highlighting the missionary dimension of Christian life, Cardinal Ferrão—President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India—described the Church as a community rooted in faith, expressed through love, service, truth, and forgiveness. He called on the faithful to bear witness to the Gospel in everyday life, particularly through acts of compassion and reconciliation.

“We become a community of witness by serving one another, by upholding truth, and through forgiveness,” he said, urging believers to embody these values in families and society.

Among those who concelebrated the Eucharist were Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay; Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro of Sindhudurg; Bishop Alwyn Barretto of Sindhudurg, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg; Fr. Millet Dsouza, Rector of the Cathedral; along with several bishops and priests.

Drawing inspiration from Our Lady of Milagris, Patroness of the Cathedral, and Mother Teresa, the Cardinal pointed to their lives as enduring examples of humility, service, and unwavering faith.

A commemorative souvenir marking the occasion was released, and individuals who contributed to the construction of the cathedral were felicitated.

The dedication ceremony, attended by several bishops, priests, and lay faithful, marked a significant moment for the Diocese of Sindhudurg. Yet, as Cardinal Ferrão underscored, the true significance of the new cathedral lies not in its structure, but in the renewed commitment of the faithful to live as missionary disciples in the world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image credit: Sabina D'Souza, Sindhudurg