Goa: In a momentous celebration of faith, history, and scholarship, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão formally released the book “A Church on a Journey: The Archdiocese of Goa and its Governors”, authored by Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira, at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa. The launch event not only honored Fr. Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop, but also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Archdiocese of Goa, spanning over five centuries of spiritual leadership and community transformation.
The book launch was graced by prominent church leaders, including Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Simião Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, Alex Dias SFX, and Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg, Alwyn Barretto. Published by New Age Printers, the work is a meticulously researched chronicle that documents the lives, ministries, and visionary contributions of the bishops who have guided the Goan faithful through eras of growth, reform, and societal change.
During the event, Cardinal Ferrão praised the book as “a labor of love,” emphasizing its role as a narrative of faith, leadership, and community that has evolved across centuries. He lauded Fr. Pereira’s discretion, grace, and quiet faithfulness over three decades of service, highlighting the book’s ability to capture “the spirit of the times and the character of the bishops who shepherded the faithful through peace, growth, and transformation.” The Cardinal underscored the bishops’ enduring legacies as builders, reformers, and visionaries, whose collective efforts shaped both the Church and Goan society.
Prof. Maria Isabel de Santa Rita Vás, who introduced the book to the audience, described it as “a work of great love and care” and an essential resource for understanding the Church in Goa. She commended Fr. Pereira’s 50 years of priestly ministry and 30 years of dedicated service at the Bishop’s House, praising the book’s accessibility and academic rigor. According to her, the volume is beautifully illustrated, well-structured, and deeply researched, making it an invaluable reference for scholars, students, and Goan readers interested in ecclesiastical history.
Fr. Pereira shared the inspiration behind his work, reflecting on a personal calling to document the lives of the Archbishops. “Over time, they seemed to plead, ‘Take us into the world; let people know who we were,’” he recounted. “After years of their silent appeal, I finally responded and this book is the result.” He expressed joy at bringing the stories of these 35 distinguished bishops into public view, noting, “Those distinguished figures can now step down from the wall and meet readers and admirers,” emphasizing their compassionate leadership and visionary contributions to the Church and Goan society.
The event also featured hymns, reflections, and discussions, reinforcing the call to preserve and celebrate the rich spiritual heritage of the Archdiocese. “A Church on a Journey” is poised to become a landmark publication, bridging historical scholarship with spiritual reflection, and offering readers a profound understanding of the Goan Church’s journey through time.