Goa: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Jubilee of the Social Apostolate with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass held at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, on September 7. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who presided over the special liturgy marking this milestone in the Archdiocese’s commitment to social ministry.
The Mass was concelebrated by several leading clergy of the Archdiocese, including Fr. Henry Falcão, Director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre and Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone; Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas Goa; Fr. Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace; Fr. Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Society of Pilar; Fr. Walter D’Souza; and Fr. George Nandiyala SFX. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the Church in promoting justice, peace, and service to society.
Preaching on the theme “Upholding Human Dignity: Let Us Become Apostles of Hope in Society”, Cardinal Ferrão called on the faithful to remain firmly rooted in Christ while carrying forward the mission of promoting human dignity. He reminded the congregation that true discipleship requires care, joyful service, and compassion, even towards those who wrong us.
“As Jesus was caring, joyful in service, and compassionate towards others, so too, as true disciples of Christ, we must show care for the needy, serve joyfully, and be compassionate, especially towards those who wrong us,” he said. Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), highlighted that the Christian call to service is inseparable from a life of discipleship.
Drawing inspiration from the lives of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, both of whom will soon be canonised, the Archbishop commended their Eucharistic devotion and faith-filled witness. He cautioned the faithful against superficial faith, remarking: “We can pretend to follow Jesus without being His disciples.” He urged Christians to become true apostles of hope who can transform society with their witness.
Following the Eucharist, a fellowship programme was held in which Cardinal Ferrão personally felicitated congregations of men and women religious who are engaged in social ministry throughout Goa. Expressing deep gratitude for their service, he said: “You are the face of the Social Apostolate of the Church in Goa.” The Archbishop also praised the outreach of Caritas Goa and numerous Church-run institutions that embody the Church’s mission of service.
In his message, Cardinal Ferrão stressed that God’s image is imprinted on every individual, calling participants to uphold and restore that dignity in their daily lives. “Reaching out to the needy and those on the peripheries of society, and thus restoring the image of God, is our responsibility,” he affirmed.
The Archbishop further spoke about the richness of diversity within the community, affirming that differences should be seen as a reflection of God’s abundance. “Whatever may be our diversities, they reflect God’s richness. Let us celebrate diversity,” he said. Emphasizing the synodal path of the Church, he called on the faithful to live as disciples rooted in Christ, cultivating forgiveness, compassion, and unity.
“Social Apostolate is a mission, and mission calls for dedication and self-sacrifice. Be rooted in Jesus and move forward with optimism and joy in heart,” Cardinal Ferrão urged, encouraging all present to continue their commitment to social service with renewed zeal.
The fellowship event featured interactive games and creative presentations that highlighted the ongoing work of different congregations in Goa. These displays offered a glimpse into the diversity and depth of social ministries being carried out under the Archdiocese’s guidance. Representatives from Caritas Goa centres and various religious congregations actively participated, making the programme a vibrant celebration of faith and service.
The gathering opened with words of welcome from Fr. Savio Fernandes, while Ashton Souza skillfully anchored the event. The programme concluded with a note of gratitude from Fr. Maverick Fernandes, who thanked all participants, organizers, and collaborators for making the Jubilee celebration a memorable occasion of unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the Church’s social mission.