Goa Auxiliary Bishop Urges Children to Follow Saints’ Example in Pursuit of Holiness

Mapusa, Goa, November 1, 2026: Children should pursue holiness through everyday acts of kindness, mercy, forgiveness and sacrifice, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Simião Fernandes said during an All Saints’ Day celebration at St Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa.

Addressing children at a Eucharistic celebration organised by the Catechetical Unit of Mapusa Deanery as part of Saints.com, Bishop Fernandes drew lessons from the lives of St. John Bosco, St. Maria Goretti, St. Martin de Porres, St. Rose of Lima, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and St. Carlo Acutis.

He stressed that holiness was not reserved for a select few or achieved only through extraordinary deeds but began with small acts of love and kindness practised consistently in daily life.

Referring to the Beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” he recalled the words of St. Teresa of Kolkata: “Holiness is not a privilege of a few, but a need of all.”

Drawing on the life of St. Maria Goretti, he highlighted courage and fidelity to one's values. He also reminded the children of the grace received through Baptism and the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in restoring their relationship with God.

“Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we come closer to God, and this helps us become saints,” he said, urging the children to seek forgiveness and practise repentance.

Speaking about the Beatitude on mercy, Bishop Fernandes cited St. Martin de Porres, who shared his food with those in need, as an example of compassion and generosity. He encouraged the children to follow his example through simple gestures of sharing and caring.

Referring to St. Rose of Lima, he highlighted sacrifice as an essential part of the journey towards holiness. “Sufferings are the sacrifices that lead to holiness. We are called to make sacrifices,” he said.

He also recalled St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus’ commitment to continuing her mission of doing good on earth, urging the children to express their faith through love and service.

Concluding his reflection with the example of St. Carlo Acutis, who described the Eucharist as “the highway to heaven”, the Bishop encouraged the children to participate in the Eucharist regularly, including during their holidays.

Fr. Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar for the North Zone; Fr. Aestrony Da, animator of the Catechetical Unit of Mapusa Deanery; and Fr. Savio, SDB, concelebrated the Mass.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Image credit--Emma Fernandes Mapusa