Tag: Old Goa

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Cardinal Ferrão Unveils New Konkani (Roman Script) Missal at Old Goa

allycaralgoa

Old Goa, December 3, 2025 — A landmark moment for the Catholic community in Goa unfolded at the Basilica of Bom Jesus as Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão formally released the much-awaited New Missal in Konkani (Romi Misa-Gronth) during the solemn feast Mass of St. Francis Xavier. The unveiling marks one of the most significant liturgical developments in recent decades for the Church in Goa.

In his address, Cardinal Ferrão expressed deep appreciation for the Commission for the Liturgy in Konkani (CLK–Goa), acknowledging the years of research, translation, consultation, and pastoral collaboration that have gone into producing the new liturgical text in the Roman script.

A Collaborative Effort Across Dioceses

During the ceremony, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes launched Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll – Soho-Somarombhpeanchea Upeoga Pasot, the Order of Mass for Concelebrants. The wide-scale effort to develop the Missal involved the dioceses of Mangalore, Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, Karwar, Udupi, and Belgaum.

The first regional meeting took place on March 26, 2010, at Bishop’s House, Mangalore, chaired by Bishop Aloysius D’Souza. Representatives from Goa included Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Fr. Tomas Lobo, and the late Fr. Cristovao Caldeira.

To ensure accuracy and unity, the Commission reviewed texts using a four-column structure: Latin, English, the current Konkani text, and the proposed Konkani translation. Two groups were formed to accelerate the work, each responsible for specific sections of the Mass. Meetings were held every three months, lasting four to five days at a stretch.

Rigorous Review and Musical Unification

Each draft of the Missal was reviewed by experts, including over 20 priests from Goa proficient in Roman-script Konkani and Latin. Their insights led to further refinements, ensuring that the final text was pastorally sound and linguistically precise.

A Music Committee was also constituted to standardise tunes across dioceses. The team included Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Fr. Ronald Serrao, Fr. Tomas Lobo, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Fr. Lino De Sa, Fr. Bernado Cota, Fr. Matthew Rebello, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, Fr. Romeo Monteiro, and Fr. Seby Vaz.

Implementation from Ash Wednesday

The New Konkani Missal will officially come into liturgical use from Ash Wednesday. Preparatory sessions for families, catechists, and parish communities will begin during Advent, supported by a new booklet on the Order of the Mass published by the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy.

Two additional booklets—The Order of the Mass for the Faithful and The Order of the Children’s Mass—were released by Mathew De Souza and Sr. Alexia Braz FMCK, respectively.

Fr. Afonso Mendonça expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this years-long mission, noting that the new Missal represents a unified voice of the Konkani-speaking Church.

The release marks a historic step for the faithful of Goa, offering a beautifully revised, deeply studied, and pastorally enriched liturgical text that will guide worship for generations to come.

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Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa Closed for Visitors on November 8

Tanisha Cardozo

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of Goa’s most iconic landmarks, will remain closed to tourists and visitors on Saturday, November 8, 2025, due to a special religious service. While the 6 am and 7 am Konkani Masses will continue as usual, the 8 am English Mass has been cancelled to accommodate the special service scheduled at 10:30 am exclusively for invited attendees.

This temporary closure is aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the religious program and providing a serene environment for attendees. Visitors planning to explore the Basilica on this day are advised to make alternate arrangements.

Furthermore, tourists and devotees are urged to exercise caution from November 10 to 23, 2025, as preparations will be underway for the Novena and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, one of the most significant religious celebrations in the region. These preparations include logistical arrangements, crowd management, and special event setups that may temporarily affect regular visitor access.

Fr. Patricio Fernandes SJ, the Rector of the Basilica, emphasized the importance of observing these temporary restrictions to maintain the sanctity of the religious events and ensure the safety of all visitors.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, recognized for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, continues to attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually. Visitors planning to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site are encouraged to check the schedule in advance and plan their visit around these special events to avoid inconvenience.

Human Interest

Ferry Services at Old Goa Route Suspended from October 6 to November 19 for Ramp Repairs

Tanisha Cardozo

The River Navigation Department (RND) of Goa has announced the temporary suspension of ferry services at the Old Goa route from October 6 to November 19, 2025, to facilitate repair work on the ferry ramp.

This suspension is part of scheduled maintenance and infrastructure improvement initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ferry service. The repair work will address wear and tear issues to enhance long-term usability and reduce risks during ferry operations.

Commuters who frequently use the Old Goa ferry service are advised to plan alternate travel routes during this period. The department has urged the public to cooperate and extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The Old Goa ferry route is a crucial daily link for several residents and travelers, and the River Navigation Department has committed to completing the repair works within the specified timeframe to resume services at the earliest.

For further updates, commuters can follow the official channels of the River Navigation Department or visit local notice boards near ferry terminals.

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Eight New Priests Ordained for Archdiocese of Goa and Daman

allycaralgoa

In a joyous celebration at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, eight deacons were ordained as priests for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on April 30, 2024. The ordination ceremony, attended by over 100 priests and lay faithful, marked a significant milestone in the lives of these dedicated individuals.

The Newly Ordained Priests
The eight deacons who received their priestly ordination are:

  1. Fr. Slater Alemao from Chinchinim
  2. Fr. Valfern Barbosa from Raia
  3. Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco from Navelim
  4. Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza from Salvador do Mundo
  5. Fr. Benny Fernandes from Siroda
  6. Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes from Dona Paula (Caranzalem)
  7. Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso from Nagoa, Bardez
  8. Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz from Vasco da Gama


Each of the newly ordained priests has been assigned to a specific parish, where they will serve as Assistant to the Parish Priest. Their assignments include:

  • Fr. Slater Alemao – St. Joseph Church, Sao Jose de Areal
  • Fr. Valfern Barbosa – St. Joseph Church, Usgao
  • Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco – St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim
  • Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza – Rosary Church, Fatorda
  • Fr. Benny Fernandes – St. Anne’s Church, Parra
  • Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes – Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa
  • Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso – Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca
  • Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz – Our Lady of Socorro Church, Carmona


During the ordination ceremony, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes delivered a heartfelt homily, emphasizing the role of a good shepherd. He encouraged the newly ordained priests to be signs of hope, giving hope to the needy, the dejected, and those living on the peripheries. Bishop Simiao also urged the priests to treasure their priesthood, be men of prayer, and build unity among the people.


Bishop Simiao congratulated the newly ordained priests in the name of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao and conveyed his best wishes and blessings to them. The ordination ceremony concluded with a sense of joy and celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these eight dedicated individuals.


The ordination of eight new priests for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is a significant event that strengthens the Church’s presence in the region. As these priests embark on their new roles, they will undoubtedly bring hope, love, and service to their communities. We wish them all the best in their ministry and pray for their continued growth and dedication to their vocation.

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Mass in Suffrage of Pope Francis to be Held in Goa

allycaralgoa

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will hold a Mass in suffrage of the late Pope Francis on Thursday, April 24, at the Cathedral Church in Old Goa. The service, presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, will bring together priests, religious, and lay faithful to offer prayers for the beloved Pontiff.

Details of the Mass

  • Date: Thursday, April 24
  • Location: Cathedral Church, Old Goa
  • Presider: His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao

A Mark of Respect
As a sign of respect to the late Pope Francis, the offices at the Bishop’s House will remain closed on Saturday, April 26, the day of the funeral. This gesture reflects the deep admiration and reverence for the Pontiff’s legacy and contributions to the Catholic Church.

Call to Prayer
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman invites all members of the faithful to join in this special Mass, offering prayers for the soul of Pope Francis. This gathering will serve as an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to the beloved Pontiff’s life and ministry.