Goa: Pope Leo XV has extended heartfelt greetings on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Lithuanian Jesuit missionary Fr. Andrius Rudamina in India, calling his life a testimony of courage and faith. A papal telegram was sent to participants gathered at the Cathedral in Old Goa for the anniversary celebration, marking a historic moment in India’s missionary journey.
The Holy Father recalled how Fr. Andrius, a man of noble background who gave up political prominence for service to Christ, exemplified patience, sacrifice, and dedication in spreading the Gospel. “May his witness inspire many in our own time to proclaim the message of salvation with courage and perseverance,” Pope Leo wrote, uniting himself spiritually with the faithful who assembled in Goa.
Fr. Andrius Rudamina first arrived in Goa on 22 August 1625, sailing from Lisbon to begin his missionary service. Though his stay in India was brief due to illness caused by malaria, he quickly immersed himself in evangelization and pastoral care. His missionary zeal later carried him to China, where he became an active participant in spreading the Christian faith before his untimely death.
Four centuries later, his memory continues to resonate. In 2015, a memorial stone was installed in the courtyard of the Old Goa Cathedral in recognition of his contribution to India’s Christian heritage. The 400th anniversary commemoration stands as both a tribute to his legacy and an encouragement for today’s missionaries to follow his path of faith and service.