Goa: Addressing priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão unveiled his vision for the New Diocesan Pastoral Plan, situating it within the historic context of the Fifth Centenary Celebration of the Erection of the See of Goa. Issued on November 10, the feast of St. Leo the Great, the Pastoral Letter emphasized hope as a guiding principle for the Church’s future, calling all members to active participation and prayerful discernment.
Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Church’s contemplation of the Jubilee Year theme, “Hope does not disappoint us,” noting the importance of nurturing hope and caring for “our common home.” He highlighted the fruits of the Synod 2021–2024, underscoring that the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly invites local Churches to implement its proposals, fostering deeper communion, mission, and participation within diocesan structures.
Explaining the purpose of the Pastoral Letter, Cardinal Ferrão emphasized that the New Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be crafted following extensive consultation with clergy, religious, and laity. He posed the key question guiding the process: “Where is God calling the Church in this Archdiocese to be by 2033?” The Cardinal stressed that the journey requires careful listening not only to God but also to one another and to the signs of the times, including the cry of creation and the needs of local communities.
Reflecting on the 2002 Diocesan Pastoral Plan, Cardinal Ferrão expressed profound gratitude for the guidance it provided over twenty-three years, describing it as a “vibrant Communion of Communities.” He acknowledged the dedicated work of Parish Pastoral Councils, Small Christian Communities, diocesan centers, and various apostolates that faithfully contributed to fulfilling the Plan’s objectives and nurturing the life of the Church in Goa.
The Cardinal identified six key realities motivating the Archdiocese to renew its pastoral vision. First, the Great Jubilee of Redemption 2033 calls for missionary conversion and the formation of a Church capable of fostering discipleship in all its members. Second, the implementation of Synodal Proposals and the upcoming Ecclesial Assembly in 2028 will reshape diocesan practices to make the Church more participatory, co-responsible, and authentically synodal.
Third, he highlighted the Asian context and the Bangkok Document, noting the need for dialogue, collaboration, and attention to six priorities set by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences: formation in synodal spirituality, inclusivity, missionary discipleship, accountability, prayer and worship, and care for the environment. Fourth, the CCBI Pastoral Plan: Mission 2033 provides a national framework guiding diocesan renewal and aligning structures with a vision for vibrant evangelization in preparation for the Great Jubilee.
Fifth, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Fifth Centenary of the Erection of the See of Goa, celebrating the 500-year legacy of the local Church as a centre of missionary activity in Asia. He emphasized the historical contributions of St. Francis Xavier, the witness of St. Joseph Vaz, and the rich spiritual heritage preserved in the sacred relics of the Gõycho Saib. The centenary serves as a focal point for the New Pastoral Plan, uniting the Church’s history, identity, and mission with hope for the future.
Finally, he addressed the changed socio-political realities in Goa, pointing to demographic shifts, rising communal tensions, environmental challenges, unemployment, and the migration of local populations. The Cardinal called on the Church to respond courageously, with fidelity to Gospel values, while engaging in pastoral care and social outreach to address contemporary issues affecting communities.
Cardinal Ferrão concluded by emphasizing that the New Pastoral Plan is fundamentally a spiritual journey, likened to the disciples’ walk to Emmaus, where renewed purpose, clarity, and faith are cultivated. He affirmed that only the Risen Christ can warm hearts and illuminate minds, and he entrusted the process to Our Lady, invoking the intercession of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz. He extended blessings to all faithful for a holy Advent, a joyful Christmas, and a grace-filled New Year 2026, urging the Archdiocese to embrace the journey with hope, commitment, and missionary zeal.