Category: #faith

#faith

Cardinal Ferrao Calls for Climate Justice and Ecological Conversion Ahead of COP30

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Vatican City – July 2, 2025 : In a strong moral appeal ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), has urged global leaders and societies to embrace climate justice and ecological conversion, calling for a shift that is not only systemic but deeply spiritual.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, Cardinal Ferrao, along with Church leaders from Africa and Latin America, unveiled a document titled:

“A Call for Climate Justice and the Common Home: Ecological Conversion, Transformation and Resistance to False Solutions.”

This unprecedented joint statement, drafted by representatives from the Global South, demands ethical accountability from developed nations and outlines a vision for a more just and sustainable future. It comes as the world prepares for COP30, which will take place in Brazil this November.

“It’s not diplomatic – it’s pastoral.”

“Our message today is not diplomatic; it is pastoral,” said Cardinal Ferrao. “It is a call to conscience in the face of a system that threatens to devour creation, as if the planet were just another commodity.”

Ferrao emphasized that the Church in Asia joins the “global clamour” for a transformation that is not only technical but also ethical, prophetic, and profoundly human.

He cited the devastating effects of climate change already felt across Asia—typhoons, forced migration, loss of islands, and water pollution—warning that false solutions such as large-scale “green” projects are displacing vulnerable communities under the guise of sustainability.

A Call to the Global North

The cardinal stressed the urgency of operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund and ensuring that affected communities have priority access to adaptation finance.

“It is estimated that the climate debt of the Global North will reach $192 trillion by 2050. Additionally, nearly $2 trillion is extracted annually from the Global South through corporate, banking, and governmental mechanisms,” Ferrao noted.

Ecological Wisdom & Inclusive Action

He advocated for listening to ancestral knowledge, halting the expansion of fossil fuels, and consulting local communities before implementing renewable energy projects. He insisted that climate finance must be fair, accessible, and non-exploitative, especially for women and local organisations.

“As a Church, beyond criticism, we want to promote alternatives—education, degrowth economics, ecological spirituality, and interreligious solidarity,” said Cardinal Ferrao.

COP30: A Moral Turning Point

Other speakers at the Vatican press conference included Cardinal Jaime Spengler (Brazil), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo), and Dr. Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Together, they emphasized the unified voice of the Global South in demanding a climate agenda that prioritizes justice and the dignity of life.

“We want COP30 to be not just another event, but a moral turning point,” Ferrao concluded. “As Pope Leo XIV has said, we need love and unity to build a new world where peace reigns. May hope flourish among us like a tree of life.”

#faith

Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass as Pontiff, Calls Election a Cross and a Blessing

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Vatican City | June 2025 — In a historic and deeply symbolic ceremony, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, celebrated his first Mass as pope inside the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just a day after his surprise election by the College of Cardinals.

Chicago-born Robert Prevost, an Augustinian missionary, was elected the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis. His election marks a new era for the Church, not just due to his nationality, but also for the pastoral and inclusive tone he set from the very first homily. He chose the name Leo XIV, invoking a tradition of leadership and strength, while also reflecting humility and continuity with Pope Francis’ mission of justice and mercy.

A Message of Mission and Humility

Speaking off-the-cuff in English, Pope Leo XIV told the assembled cardinals that their choice was “both a cross to bear and a blessing.” He emphasized that his role as pope was a shared mission, calling upon the global Church to joyfully spread the Gospel even in a world that often mocks or misunderstands the Christian message.

“You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission,” he said. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me—as we continue as a Church, as a community, as friends of Jesus—to announce the Good News.”

His words struck a chord with many, especially as he acknowledged the rising tide of secularism and practical atheism, even within baptized Christian communities.

Continuing Pope Francis’ Legacy

During his homily, delivered in near-fluent Italian, Pope Leo XIV built on themes championed by his predecessor, warning against reducing Jesus to a “superman or charismatic leader.” He lamented a world increasingly obsessed with money, power, and individualism, where faith is trivialized or disregarded.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity,” he said.

In a powerful gesture, two women were invited to read the Scripture readings, signaling the new pontiff’s likely intention to uphold Pope Francis’ reforms on enhancing women’s roles in the Church. As a cardinal, Leo XIV had already made waves by appointing women to key Vatican decision-making bodies.

A New Tone for the Papacy

Clad in traditional papal white but donning simple black shoes—forgoing the symbolic red loafers favored by some of his predecessors—Pope Leo XIV offered a visual continuation of Pope Francis’ commitment to simplicity and humility.

The Mass concluded with warm applause from the cardinals present—an unusual but telling moment of unity and hope.

Following tradition, the Vatican confirmed that all Vatican officials—whose roles are technically vacated upon the death of a pope—had been asked by Leo XIV to remain in office temporarily, as he takes time for “reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making formal appointments.

Installation and First Public Address

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed at a special Mass on May 18, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21. The events are expected to draw global attention, not only for their ceremonial importance but also for what they may reveal about the tone and direction of his pontificate.

As the Church turns a new page, early signs suggest Pope Leo XIV intends to blend continuity with compassion, and reform with reverence—all while navigating the expectations and challenges that come with being the first American to occupy the Chair of St. Peter.

#faith

St Anthony Trezen to Begin on May 31 in Loutolim

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The annual Trezen – a thirteen-day prayer devotion in honour of St Anthony – will take place at Tolleaband, Loutolim, from May 31 to June 12, 2025. Devotees are invited to join the daily prayer service, which will begin each evening at 6:15 pm.

The celebrations will culminate with the feast of St Anthony on June 13. Festivities will begin at 6:15 pm with a traditional procession to the miraculous statue of the saint. Devotees will carry petition candles during the procession, followed by a special prayer service and community gathering.

#faith

Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Announces New Priest Appointments

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The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has announced a series of appointments and transfers of priests in various parishes and institutions. The new appointments aim to ensure effective pastoral care and administration in the parishes.

Appointed Parish Priests
A total of 25 priests have been appointed as Parish Priests in different parishes across Goa. Some of the notable appointments include:

  • Rev. Fr. Mario Vaz at Our Lady of Livramento, Arlem
  • Rev. Fr. Lauzerio Godinho at Our Lady of Assumption, Velsão
  • Rev. Fr. Miguel Pereira at Our Lady of the Sick, Quelossim

Appointed Parochial Administrators
Two priests have been appointed as Parochial Administrators:

  • Rev. Fr. Victor Sequeira at St. Anne, Olaulim
  • Rev. Fr. Natalino Fernandes at St. Blaise, São Bras

Appointed Chaplains
Eight priests have been appointed as Chaplains in various parishes:

  • Rev. Fr. Walter de Sá at Our Lady of Candelária, Porvorim-Socorro
  • Rev. Fr. Dylon D’Costa at St. Joaquim, Borda-Margão

Appointed Assistants to the Parish Priest
A total of 25 priests have been appointed as Assistants to the Parish Priest in different parishes:

  • Rev. Fr. Jovier Barreto at Our Lady of Hope, Chinchinim
  • Rev. Fr. Christopher Fernandes at Our Lady of Health, Sancoale

Appointed Priests-on-the-Staff
Ten priests have been appointed as Priests-on-the-Staff in various parishes:

  • Rev. Fr. Joseph Rowland Salema at St. Lawrence Martyr, Agassaim
  • Rev. Fr. Jose Dias at Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Nuvem

Other Appointments
Several priests have been appointed to various roles, including Procurator, Managing Director, and ministry positions.

Priests Relieved of their Present Posts
Four priests have been relieved of their present posts, including Rev. Fr. Carlos Mendes, Rev. Fr. Emidio Pinto, Rev. Fr. Bernardo Cota, and Rev. Fr. Francisco Miranda.

These appointments and transfers are expected to bring new energy and commitment to the parishes and institutions, serving the spiritual needs of the faithful in Goa.

#faith

CAG rejoices in the Election of the New Pope Leo XIV

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The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) expresses its profound joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV as the New 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Catholic Church and prays that it ushers in a renewed era of hope and transformation for the Church and the World.

The CAG rejoices that the New Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, 69 years, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 14, 1955, and has spent most of his sacerdotal years serving the poorest in Peru, will be able to bring a fresh perspective of the subalterns to the papacy and thus, continue in the footsteps of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Pope Francis, as a Pope of the Commoners.

The CAG hopes that his Pontificate, as his adopted name, Pope Leo XIV suggests, will be inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who was called the Pope of Catholic Social Teaching, so as to promote and uphold the fundamental Human and Christian values, particularly truth, justice, peace, equality and dignity of every human being, irrespective of creed, caste or class.

The CAG prays that the New Pope, a Canon Law Expert, will strengthen and renew the Church functioning, wherever required, to respond effectively to the felt pastoral needs of the Church in the modern World without sacrificing Christ’s core teachings and values.

As an accomplished member of the illustrious Augustinian Order, the CAG envisions the Holy Father will strive to build bridges, within as well as without, and endeavor to deepen Communion in the Church at various levels, so as to be a truly Synodal and Evangelical Church.

In view of the manifold modern-day challenges, the CAG, as a duly recognized Association of the Catholic Lay Faithful in the Archdiocese, in communion and solidarity with the Universal Church, urges every Catholic to fervently pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that he may receive the necessary grace, wisdom and strength to effectively lead the Universal Church in this contemporary Information Age, so as to be truly the Salt, Light and Leaven of the Society and the World. Viva il Papa!

Adv. Nick Colaco

President