By mattersindia reporter
Panaji, August 20, 2019: Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa commended Catholic Religious for rendering selfless service in Goa.
“You are a treasure in Goa. You have contributed and still contributing immensely for the development of the Archdiocese through the various ministries you are dedicated to and involved in,” the prelate to the general body meeting of the Conference of Religious, Goa Unit.
More than 300 brothers, nuns and priests attend the August 18 meeting at Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, the state capital.
The archbishop reminded the religious to become aware of the great challenge to be united in carrying out various ministries while being faithful to the charism of each one’s congregation. He suggested that they do communion in mission, and the mission in communion.
Stressing the need of unity he said, “The essence of communion is relationship. Let us carry out our mission in a spirit of teamwork, that is a collaborative functioning, having always fellowship, sharing and networking among one another.”
Archbishop Ferrao also stressed the importance pastoral visits to families. “People appreciate when priests and religious visits them. The pastoral visits can help our people tremendously and also ourselves. The families are passing through difficult moments. The families that you have visited appreciate it. And the families whom you have not visited miss something vital in their lives. Find sometime even if you are doing some other ministries, to visit the families,” he added.
He reminded the religious the need to be community oriented. He suggested, “Wherever you are, strive to strengthen the neighborhood communities.”
The Goa archbishop cautioned the gathering about the current political scenario that confronts and challenges them. “We have to be vigilant; let us forget our differences and be united in our efforts in all our apostolic endeavours. Let us also engage in citizenship education. Educate our people on Constitutional values and Gospel values. Make them aware of their human rights, support people’s movements for our democratic values and encourage strong lay leadership.”
He also exhorted the gathering to “encourage the spirit of dialogue, to build bridges with other communities, promote peace movements and maintain cordial relationship with other communities.”
Archbishop informed the gathering about the “Can Survive” program started in the Archdiocese of Goa to help cancer patients.
He reminded them about the announcement of Pope Francis the extraordinary missionary Month — October 2019, with the theme –Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World.
The Pope has specified four dimensions to live more intensely the journey towards this celebration: To deepen our personal encounter with the risen Lord; to take this testimony of this encounter to others; to promote missionary formation of all the baptized, to promote missionary charity- to be generous in helping others working in mission lands.