Goa-Daman Archdiocese Opens Pastoral Year, Marks Diocesan Secretariat Jubilee

Goa, 1 June, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman solemnly inaugurated its Pastoral Year 2025–2026 on the theme “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” and celebrated the Jubilee of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat with a Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Valpoi.

The Mass was presided over by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, and concelebrated by Fr. Winston Barbosa MSFS, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church; Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat; Fr. Barry Cardozo, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Social Communication Media; along with other priests.

Bishop Simião unveiled the official logo of the Pastoral Year. Preaching on the theme, Fr. Leo Fernandes urged the faithful to become “bearers of hope,” especially reaching out to those on the margins of society. Reflecting on the day’s readings, he noted that Christ has entrusted hope to us, enkindled it within us, and now sends us to share it.

“Let us listen to the Pastoral Letter as active disciples,” Fr. Leo said, encouraging all to engage actively in parish life and embrace the mission of Jesus in today’s world.

In a symbolic gesture, Bishop Simião, together with selected representatives, released the Pastoral Letter 2025–2026 by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, in both Konkani and English, under the same unifying theme of hope.

Introducing the Pastoral Letter, Bishop Simião invited families to read and reflect on it together. He also highlighted the significance of the Bull of Indiction as the Church prepares for the Jubilee celebration.

Bishop Simião Fernandes conveyed the message of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão in his absence and asked the faithful to be “visible and concrete signs of hope” in their communities.

Fr. Robert Fernandes MSFS expressed gratitude on behalf of the parish, while Fr. Leo extended thanks to all who contributed to the preparation and release of the key documents.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Image credits: Joseph Fernandes and Nitin Martin