Margao: In a deeply spiritual and heartfelt gathering, six senior priests of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman marked the golden jubilee of their priestly ordination with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the iconic Holy Spirit Church on Wednesday. The occasion stood as a powerful tribute to five decades of unwavering commitment, pastoral service, and devotion to the Church.
The jubilarians Fr. Walter de Sá, Fr. Lino de Sá, Fr. Gualberto de Souza, Fr. Diogo M. Fernandes, Fr. Albino Mendonça, and Fr. Agnelo Quadros came together in gratitude, offering thanks for fifty years spent in the service of God and the faithful. Each of them has served in various pastoral roles across Goa, shaping communities and nurturing faith across generations.
Ordained in 1976 as part of a group of nine priests, the celebration also paid homage to their three fellow ordinands who have since passed away Fr. Jose Menino Rodrigues, Fr. Tomas d'Aquino Sequeira, and Fr. Caetano Piedade Cardoso remembering their contributions with reverence and prayer.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri FerrĂŁo, while the homily was delivered by Bishop SimiĂŁo Fernandes. The ceremony witnessed the participation of numerous priests who concelebrated the Mass, lending a sense of unity and shared joy to the milestone event.
In his homily, Bishop Fernandes reflected on the depth and meaning of priestly vocation, presenting the word “GOLD” as a symbolic framework describing it as a Gift rooted in divine grace, an Offering of life in service, anchored in Love for God and humanity, and sustained by Dedication through life’s trials and triumphs. He commended the jubilarians for their enduring faithfulness and tireless pastoral mission over five decades.
Cardinal Ferrão, in his address, extended heartfelt congratulations to the six priests, acknowledging their immense contribution to the Church’s life in Goa. He also highlighted the indispensable role of families in fostering vocations, emphasizing that the foundation of a priestly calling is often laid within the nurturing environment of the home.
The liturgy was thoughtfully coordinated, with Fr. Romano Rodrigues serving as the commentator and Seby Fernandes leading the choir in prayerful hymns. The vote of thanks was delivered by Fr. Walter de Sá on behalf of the jubilarians, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the memorable celebration.
The event concluded in a spirit of joy, reverence, and thanksgiving, celebrating six lives devoted to Christ and His Church. Their journey stands as a powerful witness to steadfast faith, pastoral dedication, and the enduring grace that sustains a lifetime of service.