Ponda: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman observed the Jubilee of Migrants on Sunday with a day of prayer, reflection, and celebration at St. Ann’s Church, Ponda, bringing together migrant communities from across Goa to renew their faith and strengthen their sense of belonging in the Church. The event, organized by the Diocesan Commission for Migrants (DCM) in collaboration with parish priests and parishioners, carried the inspiring theme of “Pilgrims and Missionaries of Hope.”
The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Carlos Dias, OFM, Chaplain of Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda, and concelebrated by Fr. Francis Rosario, Parish Priest of St. Ann’s Church. In his homily, Fr. Rosario drew from the Book of Genesis to remind the faithful that life itself begins as a divine gift the breath of life that God bestows upon every person.
He reflected on the profound truth that God, who formed humanity from the dust of the earth, continues to sustain and guide every individual. Calling the congregation to live joyfully, he encouraged everyone to “return to God smiling,” having lived a life rooted in faith, love, and gratitude.
Drawing further from 1 Corinthians 13:13, Fr. Rosario emphasized that faith, hope, and love form the essence of Christian living. “In a world tempted by fleeting desires,” he said, “we are called to walk in the ways of God not in fear, but in faith and hope.”
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Hemant Xess, OFM, Fr. Donato Rodrigues (Convenor of the DCM), Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, and Fr. Elroy da Gama. Migrants from the North, Central, and South zones of Goa participated with deep devotion, symbolizing unity in diversity and the strength of shared faith.
Following the Mass, the jubilee program transitioned into a vibrant cultural celebration. The event opened with a welcome song and dance, creating an atmosphere of joy and fraternity. The lighting of the traditional lamp stood as a symbolic gesture of enlightenment, renewal, and divine presence among the migrant community.
An informative and interactive session by Ms. Feliza Goes brought practical insights into the rights and welfare of migrant workers. She detailed several government welfare and social security schemes, including the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Scheme, the e-Shram portal, and major insurance and pension initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY), Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-Maandhan), and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Health-related welfare programs were also discussed, such as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and Goa’s Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY). Through an engaging financial exercise, participants learned to assess their income and expenditure, promoting financial discipline and discouraging wasteful habits such as alcohol and tobacco use.
Ms. Goes highlighted that good health, family unity, and responsible savings are essential pillars for a secure and dignified life. Her talk bridged faith and social empowerment, equipping the participants with knowledge to improve their livelihoods while upholding Christian values.
The afternoon was filled with laughter and camaraderie as Mr. Custodio Dias led team-based games that encouraged collaboration and joy among the participants. A community lunch prepared and served by parishioners followed, offering a moment of fellowship and togetherness in the true spirit of the Church.
The event was coordinated by Ms. Elizabeth Coelho, DCM member, while Mr. Blasius Kullu compered the program with warmth and enthusiasm.
As the celebration concluded, participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, clergy, and parish community for their hospitality and encouragement. Many migrants shared personal testimonies of faith, resilience, and gratitude for the Church’s care and companionship throughout their journey.
The Jubilee of Migrants 2025 stood as a beacon of hope, reaffirming the Church’s mission to accompany all its members especially those living far from home with compassion and faith. The day ended with a renewed commitment among the migrants to continue walking as “pilgrims of hope,” carrying Christ’s light into their workplaces, homes, and communities.