Cardinal Ferrão Calls on Religious to Strengthen Synodal Church

Old Goa, August 23, 2026: Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão called on religious and consecrated persons to contribute to building a synodal Church rooted in journeying together, listening, discernment, care and Gospel witness.

He was delivering the keynote address at the Annual General Meeting of the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Goa Unit, held at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa.

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Cardinal Ferrão described religious and consecrated persons as a “valuable resource” and “precious treasure” for the Church in Goa, acknowledging their contributions to education, healthcare, social service and other ministries in Goa, Daman and Nagar Haveli.

He noted that much of their work may remain unseen or receive little recognition, but assured the religious that their ministry is seen by God.

Reflecting on the Archdiocese’s pastoral theme, “Abide in Me” (Jn 15:4), the Cardinal said fruitful ministry requires a deep relationship with Christ. He pointed to the Word of God, catechesis and the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, as essential sources of faith and formation.

Speaking on the Church’s synodal journey, Cardinal Ferrão recalled Pope Francis’ vision of a Church as “a synodal community of missionary disciples”, centred on communion, participation and mission. Drawing on the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he identified journeying together, listening, discerning and witnessing as key elements of synodality.

He urged religious communities to accompany people with care, including priests, fellow religious, lay collaborators, members of their communities and young people facing difficulties. He also encouraged them to adopt “conversation in the Spirit” as a way of making decisions, beginning with prayer and Scripture and collectively seeking God’s will.

Cardinal Ferrão stressed that synodality should lead the Church beyond an inward-looking approach towards evangelisation and mission. He identified silence, humility, self-sacrifice, forgiveness and joy as attitudes necessary for developing a synodal culture.

He also highlighted ministry of presence in Sattari and Sanguem areas. He invited religious to consider Sanguem and Sattari in Goa as ministry of presence and encouraged communities across Goa to support these efforts.

Concluding his address, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged priests and religious to practise synodality in their own communities and relationships by journeying together, listening to one another, caring for others, discerning God’s will and witnessing to the Gospel.

During the CRI Goa elections, Br. Bala Vinod SG was elected president, Sr. Livia Nunes SFN vice-president, and Capuchin Fr. Alden Faleiro OFM Cap was elected as a treasurer to the leadership team.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso