Solemn Mass Held to Mark Reopening of Renovated Church in Shiroda, Goa

Shiroda, Goa, March 21, 2025 – The newly renovated St. Joseph’s Church in Shiroda was inaugurated and blessed during a solemn Mass held on the evening of March 19. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. The inauguration coincided with the feast day of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the parish, and was attended by clergy, religious, and parishioners.

The event commenced with a grand procession, led by young girls performing a dance to a Hindi worship song as they entered the church. They were followed by altar servers, incense bearers, the archbishop, and concelebrants. As the clergy made their way to the altar, the congregation joined in singing the entrance hymn in Konkani.

In his welcome address, Fr. Clarence Carneiro, Assistant Parish Priest of the church, extended a warm welcome to Cardinal Ferrao, Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Romeo Monteiro, and the Episcopal Vicar of the Central Goa diocesan zone Fr. Henry Falcão. He also acknowledged the presence of the clergy members, parishioners, and well-wishers.

During the Mass, Cardinal Ferrao blessed and sprinkled holy water on the church and the congregation. In his homily, he reflected on the significance of the Jubilee Year, calling upon the faithful to be "pilgrims of hope."

Speaking about St. Joseph, whose solemnity was celebrated that day, the cardinal described him as a model of unwavering faith and discipleship. Citing the day’s Gospel, he recounted how an angel appeared to St. Joseph in his dreams three times, guiding him to accept Mary as his wife, flee to Egypt for the safety of the Holy Family, and later return to Israel when it was safe. St. Joseph, he noted, obeyed God's will on all three occasions without hesitation.

By doing so, he also demonstrated unconditional love, faith, and dedication to his family. The cardinal urged the faithful to follow St. Joseph’s example by carrying out their daily responsibilities with sincerity and honesty, transforming their homes and workplaces into places of holiness.

Following the homily, the congregation participated in the Rite of Renewal of Baptismal Vows, administered by Cardinal Ferrao.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Leslie Do Rego, Parish Priest of St. Joseph's Parish, delivered the vote of thanks. He acknowledged the blessings of St. Joseph in the successful renovation of the church. He also extended his gratitude to Cardinal Ferrao, Auxiliary Bishop Simao Fernandes, senior diocesan officials, former parish priests, engineers, contractors, and parishioners who contributed to the successful completion of the renovation.

Before imparting the final blessing, Cardinal Ferrao extended his gratitude to all involved in the renovation and wished the congregation a joyful feast day. The Mass concluded with a closing hymn, marking a new chapter in the history of St. Joseph Church, Shiroda.

By Catholic Connect Reporter