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Jubilee of Religious Celebrated in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman

Goa, August 10, 2025: The Conference of Religious of India (CRI) – Goa Unit, in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, organised the Jubilee of Religious on 10 August 2025 at Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes SFX, Superior General of the Society of the Pilar, Fr. Clive Teles, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of Salesians, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes SVD, Episcopal Vicar for the Religious, Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM Cap, newly elected President of CRI (Goa), Fr. Eugene D’Silva CSSR, former Vice-President of CRI (Goa), and several other priests concelebrated. Fr. Agnelo Gomes SFX, Director of Agnel Technical Educational Complex, and other priests also concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.


In his homily, preached on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Path of Peace”, Cardinal Ferrão called the religious to reflect on the call of consecrated persons to be witnesses of hope and builders of peace in today’s world.


During the Eucharistic celebration marking the Jubilee of Religious, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão — President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) — reminded all present that we are not disciples of Jesus by chance; it is a sign of God’s special predilection.


He invited the consecrated to live with an attitude of trust, gratitude, and a deep rootedness in God so as to cherish their vocation and serve others wholeheartedly. Cardinal Ferrão emphasised that surrender is essential in the life of every consecrated person, calling them to be signs of hope in the world.


The Cardinal urged consecrated men and women to be vigilant disciples and to exercise diligence in their ministry. As faithful and wise stewards, he said, they must embrace responsibility, faithfulness, and humility.


Speaking in the context of the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, he highlighted three attitudes that must mark their journey: being caring persons, offering joyful service, and living with mercy and compassion.


Redemptorist and Dominican brothers led the liturgical singing. Fr Michael Pereira SVD was the liturgical commentator.


Following the Eucharist, a short cultural programme was held. Cardinal Ferrão, speaking at the short programme, appreciated and thanked the religious for their cooperation and support as well as their different ministries in the Archdiocese.


The programme began with a prayer dance by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN), Sancoale, followed by a mime performance by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and a song by Sr. Maria Patole FMCK.


To mark the Jubilee, a souvenir was released by Cardinal Ferrão. The Jubilee Trophy was also presented to the winners of the Jubilee Cup 2025, held earlier this year for the religious as well as diocesan priests. Upon arrival at the venue, participants received a Pilgrims’ Admit Card as a symbolic gesture.


The programme was anchored by Sr. Valentina Vaz SFN. Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM Cap announced the winners of the Jubilee Cup 2025, while Sr. Daisy JMJ coordinated the release of the souvenir. Sr. Ayres of Caritas Christi expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration.


As a symbolic and meaningful gesture, each religious present was gifted sunflower seeds, signifying hope. The Jubilee celebrations concluded with CRI (Goa) standing together in a united pose for solidarity with the truth, justice, and service of the poor.



By Bro. Malvino Alfonso


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