Category: #faith

#faith

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Calls for Peace, Unity and Protection of Constitutional Values in New Year Message

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As the New Year 2026 begins, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, has conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people, especially in Goa, praying for God’s abundant blessings, peace within families, harmony among communities, and unity across the State and the nation.

In his New Year message, the Cardinal expressed deep anguish over a growing sense of insecurity among minority communities in the country. Referring to reported attacks on Christians during recent Christmas celebrations in different parts of India, he described these incidents as painful and contrary to the nation’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity.

Cardinal Ferrão stated that such incidents not only hurt Christian communities but also undermine the moral fabric and sacred values that India has always stood for. He recalled that the Indian Constitution guarantees the free and fair practice of religion, yet pointed out that some communities continue to face persecution for celebrating their important religious festivals.

The Cardinal further observed that such incidents often occur with what he described as tacit approval or inaction by authorities, leading to fear and erosion of public trust. Appealing to authorities at all levels, he urged them to uphold their constitutional responsibility and act decisively and impartially against those responsible for acts of violence or intimidation.

He also made a strong appeal to citizens who believe in harmony, justice, and mutual respect to stand united against divisive forces and actively uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.

Concluding his message, Cardinal Ferrão expressed hope that the New Year would usher in renewed commitment towards peace, fraternity, and constitutional values, enabling all citizens to live with dignity, security, and mutual respect.

#faith

Bodgeshwar Jatra 2026 to Be Observed on January 2 at Mapusa, Goa

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The Bodgeshwar Temple festival, popularly known as the Bodgeshwar Jatra, is one of the most revered religious events in North Goa and will be observed on January 2, 2026, in Mapusa.

Celebrated during the Paush month of the Hindu lunar calendar, the Jatra is dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, also lovingly worshipped by devotees as Bongini. The festival is held on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the waxing phase of the moon, as per the traditional lunar calendar followed in Goa.

Each year, the annual jatra attracts scores of devotees from across Goa and neighbouring regions to this modest yet spiritually powerful temple. A widely held belief among devotees is that Lord Bodgeshwar is a wish-fulfilling deity, and that sincere prayers offered here are never left unanswered.

During the festival, the temple premises are adorned with special lighting arrangements, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere that continues late into the night. The illumination, combined with traditional rituals and offerings, makes the Bodgeshwar Jatra a deeply moving spiritual experience.

The Bodgeshwar Jatra stands as a testament to Goa’s rich religious traditions, drawing together faith, devotion, and community spirit year after year.

#faith

New Church Blessed in Mawkhap, Marking Milestone for Remote Catholic Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Catholic faithful of Mawkhap in Meghalaya witnessed a deeply significant moment on December 20, 2025, with the blessing of a newly constructed church under Umsning Parish. The celebration drew more than 2,000 faithful and was held in connection with the centenary of Our Lady’s request for the Five First Saturdays Devotion, adding profound spiritual meaning to the occasion.

The blessing ceremony and Holy Mass were conducted under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Pius Shadap, Parish Priest and Episcopal Vicar of Umsning, along with Fr. Edward Sten, Assistant Parish Priest. The event also saw the participation of members of the Seng Kynthei Catholic Cathedral Parish and their Rosary Group from Laitumkhrah, who have supported the Mawkhap community in observing the Five First Saturdays Devotion over the past year.

Situated in a remote and forested region, Mawkhap is one of the farthest pastoral outstations of Umsning Parish. The construction of the new church stands as a testament to the Church’s commitment to accompany and serve Catholic communities living in isolated areas, ensuring that faith and pastoral care reach even the most distant villages.

The church features Marian symbolism inspired by the Fatima message and will serve nearly 1,000 Catholic families across 20 villages, benefiting a population of more than 6,000 people. The construction was supervised by Fr. Edward Sten, whose guidance played a key role in bringing the project to completion.

As a gesture of gratitude, the villagers honoured church leaders during the celebration, and handmade rosaries blessed by Victor Lyngdoh were distributed among the faithful. The blessing of the new church marks a new chapter of faith, unity, and pastoral life for the Mawkhap community, strengthening their spiritual journey and sense of belonging within the wider Church.

#faith

Pope Leo Welcomes South Korea’s Ambassador to the Holy See

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Pope Leo welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Holy See, Hyung Sik Shin, during an official audience at the Apostolic Palace, reaffirming the long-standing diplomatic and spiritual relationship between the two nations.

The Holy See and South Korea formally established diplomatic relations in 1963, a partnership that has continued to grow over the decades through dialogue, cooperation, and shared values rooted in peace, reconciliation, and human dignity.

Relations between the Vatican and South Korea have been further strengthened through historic papal visits. Pope St. John Paul II visited the country twice, in 1984 and 1989, playing a significant role in encouraging faith, unity, and social responsibility among the Korean faithful. Pope Francis also made a landmark visit in 2014, leaving a lasting impact through his message of compassion, youth engagement, and solidarity with the marginalized.

During the meeting, the audience reflected the continued commitment of both sides to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, particularly in areas of peace-building and the promotion of humanitarian values.

The Holy See maintains a close bond with the Catholic community in South Korea, one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing Catholic populations in Asia, and continues to support dialogue and harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

#faith, Human Interest

Immaculate Conception Church Glows in Tricolour on Goa Liberation Day

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The iconic Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim stood resplendent in the colours of the Indian tricolour as Goa celebrated its Liberation Day, creating a powerful visual symbol of freedom, patriotism, and unity.

The historic church, one of Goa’s most recognisable landmarks, was illuminated in saffron, white, and green as part of a special initiative led by Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Corporation Commissioner Clen Madeira, and Parish Priest Father Cypriano Silva. The illumination drew admiration from residents and visitors alike, turning the church into a glowing tribute to the sacrifices that led to Goa’s liberation.

The tricolour lighting served as a reminder of Goa’s journey to freedom and its proud place in the Indian Union. Locals gathered around the church precincts to witness the striking sight, capturing photographs and sharing moments of pride and reflection.

Speaking on the occasion, organisers highlighted the importance of remembering history while celebrating Goa’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The initiative beautifully blended patriotism with faith, reinforcing the spirit of Liberation Day in the heart of the state capital.

As the church shimmered against the Panjim skyline, it stood not just as a place of worship, but as a beacon of national pride, unity, and gratitude for the freedom Goa enjoys today.