Cardinal Ferrão Releases Pastoral Letter ‘Abide in Me’, Inaugurates Pastoral Year 2026–2027

Goa, June 7, 2026: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, officially released his Pastoral Letter for the Pastoral Year 2026–2027, titled “Abide in Me”, following the Eucharistic Celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Chiplem, Goa.

The Pastoral Letter, addressed to priests, religious, lay faithful, and all people of goodwill in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was released in the presence of Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Fr. Patrick Luis SFX, Dean of Canacona Deanery, Fr. Joseph Correia, Parochial Administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, and representatives from different sections of society.

The celebration also marked the inauguration of the new pastoral year under the theme “Abide in Me” (Jn 15:4), with the unveiling of the official logo for 2026–2027.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão urged the faithful to become enthusiastic witnesses of faith by remaining rooted in Christ and bearing lasting fruits of love, service, and communion.

Reflecting on the key themes of the Pastoral Letter, he highlighted three essential dimensions of Christian life: Rootedness in Faith, Formation in Faith, and Celebration of Faith.

Speaking on Rootedness in Faith, the Cardinal said that through Baptism, Christians enter into a relationship with God, one another, and the whole of creation. He encouraged the faithful to strengthen this relationship through regular reading and reflection on the Word of God in families, parish communities, Small Christian Communities (SCCs), and society.

Emphasising Formation in Faith, Cardinal Ferrão said that spiritual growth requires continuous effort and commitment. He described the family as “the basic school of faith” and reminded parents of their responsibility as the first formators of their children.

Highlighting the Celebration of Faith, he reaffirmed the central role of the Eucharist, calling it “the source and summit of the Christian life,” where Christ nourishes and strengthens His people to become witnesses of His love.

Bishop Simião Fernandes later presented the structure of the Pastoral Letter, while Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat, explained the significance of the pastoral year logo and delivered the vote of thanks.

The celebration concluded with a cultural programme based on the theme “Abide in Me”, highlighting the call to live as faithful witnesses of Christ.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download