Goa: The Catholic community of Xellim in Goa witnessed a moment of spiritual significance on Friday as the renovated Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, affiliated with St. Sebastian Church in Loliem, was solemnly blessed by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The blessing took place during a Eucharistic celebration in which the Rite of Blessing of the Oratory was performed, officially designating the newly extended portion of the chapel as sacred space under Decree CP-Decr/223/2025, issued by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão.
In his homily, Bishop Simião reflected on the spiritual importance of the chapel’s renewal, describing it as “a symbol of communion” and an invitation for parishioners to renew their relationship with God. He reminded the faithful that Jesus held profound reverence for the Temple, and that every sacred place must reflect this same devotion.
The bishop emphasized that churches and chapels are not merely architectural structures but places where holiness is nurtured, the Word of God is proclaimed, and the Eucharist is celebrated elements that form the heart of Christian life.
Underscoring the transformative power of Scripture, Bishop Simião urged families and individuals to read, meditate on, and live the Word of God daily, describing it as a source of constant renewal. He also called on the faithful to make the Holy Eucharist the centre of their spiritual and everyday lives, saying that true Christian living flows from the altar.
The bishop praised the dedicated efforts of the chaplain, the Carmelite community, and parishioners whose hard work made the renovation possible, congratulating them for their unity and commitment.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together several clergy members, including:
• Fr. Patrick Luis SFX, Dean of Canacona Deanery
• Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Provincial Superior, Karnataka-Goa Carmelite Province
• Fr. Rui Pereira CSC, Parish Priest, St. Sebastian Church, Loliem
• Fr. Theodozio Fernandes OCD, Chapel Chaplain
• Fr. Rovel D’Souza OCD, Superior, Divine Springs Retreat Centre, Xellim
along with many other priests who concelebrated the Mass.
In recognition of their efforts, individuals who significantly contributed to the renovation were felicitated by Bishop Simião. Parishioners also extended their own felicitations to the bishop, marking his first pastoral visit to the community since his Episcopal Ordination.
Chaplain Fr. Theodozio Fernandes OCD expressed heartfelt thanks to benefactors and collaborators who supported the restoration project. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD also conveyed gratitude to Bishop Simião and acknowledged the parishioners for their dedication and cooperation throughout the renovation process.
The renewed chapel now features newly crafted wooden doors enriched with religious engravings. The central door depicts Our Lady of Fatima, the chapel’s patroness, while the side doors display images of St. Joseph Vaz, Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Carmelite saint whose canonization centenary is being celebrated this year.
The blessing ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of unity and spiritual vigor, as the faithful of Xellim embraced their rejuvenated sacred space with gratitude and devotion.