Goa: In a solemn and joy-filled celebration, His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, blessed the renovated chapel and inaugurated the new wing of the Generalate of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar, marking a new chapter in the congregation’s journey of faith and service.
The event, held at the Generalate House of the Pilar Sisters, gathered priests, religious, and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude and renewal. The Eucharistic celebration, centered on the theme “Our Lady of Pilar: A Pillar of Hope, Refuge of Missionaries,” reflected the congregation’s deep Marian spirituality and missionary zeal.
In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão invited the faithful to look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a “Pilgrim of Hope,” describing her as the perfect model of missionary discipleship and trust in God’s plan. Reflecting on the Jubilee Year theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” the Cardinal urged everyone present to cultivate a steadfast faith rooted in hope and guided by love.
“Mary lived as a pilgrim of hope by saying ‘yes’ to God’s will and trusting His promise even when she could not see the full picture,” he said. Drawing on Gospel moments such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Wedding at Cana, the Archbishop emphasized Mary’s unwavering faith and her sensitivity to the needs of others qualities that define true missionary living.
“Like Mary, we are called to be people of hope missionaries who bring light into dark places,” the Cardinal affirmed. “Hope grounded in faith gives us courage to serve with love, perseverance, and joy.”
Turning to the ongoing Synodal journey of the Church, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the congregation that a Synodal Church is a witnessing Church. “We cannot be authentic witnesses unless we are deeply rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments,” he said. “Be rooted in Jesus this rootedness is the source of our missionary vitality.”
His words echoed the global call for the Church to walk together in communion, participation, and mission, reminding the religious to remain steadfast witnesses of Christ’s love in a world yearning for peace and meaning.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, SFX, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, inaugurated the new wing of the Generalate, symbolizing growth, faith, and commitment to the congregation’s expanding mission.
A felicitation ceremony followed, honoring all those who contributed to the realization of the project. Sr. Luiza Fernandes, MSP, Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Ferrão, the Society of Pilar, benefactors, and collaborators. She recalled the congregation’s rich spiritual heritage and reaffirmed its mission to serve the poor, the marginalized, and those in need of hope.
“Every brick of this new wing tells a story of prayer, sacrifice, and shared faith,” Sr. Luiza said. “As we expand our walls, may we also expand our hearts in service and love.”
The liturgical celebration was animated by the Youth Saviourites Choir, whose harmonious singing added depth and beauty to the Eucharist. Sr. Dalhilda Carvalho, MSP, served as the liturgical commentator, guiding the congregation through the service, while Sr. Corina Pereira, MSP, anchored the felicitation programme that followed.
The atmosphere was one of thanksgiving, unity, and renewed missionary enthusiasm. The renovated chapel now stands as a sacred space for prayer and contemplation, while the new wing represents the continued growth and vitality of the Pilar Sisters’ apostolic mission.
The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar, founded to embody the spirit of Our Lady a Pillar of Hope and Refuge of Missionaries continue to dedicate themselves to education, pastoral care, healthcare, and social upliftment. Their life of witness, rooted in faith and love, has become a beacon of hope for communities across India and beyond.
As the celebration concluded, the message was clear: the newly blessed Generalate is not merely an architectural expansion, but a spiritual renewal a sign that the mission of the Pilar Sisters remains ever alive, ever growing, and ever faithful to the call of Christ.