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.
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.
The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) recently expressed its deepest sorrow and pain at the sudden passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis. In a heartfelt statement, the CAG paid tribute to the late Pope’s legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment to peace, hope, and reconciliation.
Pope Francis was a consistent voice for peace in a world plagued by conflicts. He spoke out against injustice and advocated for the poor and marginalized, leaving behind a perpetual legacy that transcends the boundaries of the Church.
The late Pope’s legacy is built on Christian and Gospel values of transformation, truth, justice, freedom, simplicity, equality, dignity, inclusivity, and harmony with God’s creation. His poignant words in his last Easter Message to the world, Urbi et Orbi, will continue to ring in our hearts and minds.
The CAG joins in prayerful communion with the grief-stricken millions, praying that the Almighty grants Pope Francis eternal rest. As we remember his legacy, we are called to action to work towards a more just and compassionate world, inspired by his example.
The Catholic Association of Goa remembers Pope Francis as a champion of peace, justice, and Gospel values. His passing is a loss for the global community, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a better world.
The CAG pays tribute to Pope Francis, a great leader who left an indelible mark on the world. His commitment to his faith and his people will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to guide us in our journey towards a more just and peaceful world.
The Archbishop-Patriarch of Goa and Daman, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the faithful of the Archdiocese to pray for the speedy recovery of Holy Father Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The Archbishop-Patriarch’s request for prayers comes at a time when the Pope needs the support and prayers of the faithful.
Cardinal Ferrão’s appeal is a call to action for priests, religious, and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese to come together in prayer for Pope Francis’ recovery. The Archbishop-Patriarch’s words, “We pray that the Lord may strengthen him in faith and grant him a complete recovery, so that he may continue to actively shepherd the Catholic Church,” resonate deeply with the faithful.
The Power of Prayer
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is united in prayer for Pope Francis, seeking the intercession of the Lord for his strength and recovery. The faithful are encouraged to offer their prayers, sacrifices, and good works for the intention of the Pope’s speedy recovery.
Let Us Pray
As we pray for Pope Francis, let us also remember the words of Scripture, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) May our collective prayers bring comfort, strength, and healing to our beloved Pope Francis.
Prayer Intention: For the speedy recovery and strengthening of Holy Father Pope Francis, that he may continue to shepherd the Catholic Church with wisdom and grace.
Goa, a small state on the western coast of India, has a rich history and heritage that is evident in its architecture, culture, and traditions. One of the most significant contributions of Goa to the world is St. Joseph Vaz, the first and only Goan to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
St. Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, a small village in Goa. He was the third of six children born to Cristovao Vaz and Maria de Miranda. Joseph’s parents were devout Catholics who instilled in him a strong faith and values.
Joseph received his early education at the local village school and later studied at the Jesuit College in Rachol, Goa. He was an excellent student and showed a keen interest in theology and philosophy.
Joseph was ordained as a priest in 1676 and soon felt the call to serve as a missionary in Sri Lanka. At the time, Sri Lanka was under Dutch rule, and Catholicism was facing severe persecution. Despite the risks, Joseph traveled to Sri Lanka in 1687, disguising himself as a beggar to avoid detection by the Dutch authorities.
Joseph’s missionary work in Sri Lanka was marked by bravery, perseverance, and selfless service. He learned the local language and customs, and started preaching the Gospel. He established several Catholic churches and communities, and his missionary work flourished despite the persecution.
Joseph Vaz was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2015. He is the first and only Goan to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
St. Joseph Vaz’s legacy is a testament to his devotion to the faith and his selfless service to humanity. He is revered as a patron saint of Sri Lanka and a model of devotion and perseverance for Catholics around the world.
St. Joseph Vaz is a source of pride for Goa and India. His life and legacy are an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of faith, devotion, and selfless service. As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph Vaz, let us honor his memory and continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable life and legacy.
Prayer and Reflection
As we reflect on the life and legacy of St. Joseph Vaz, let us pray for the courage and devotion to spread the Gospel, just as he did. May his example inspire us to live our faith with conviction and joy, and may we always remember the sacrifices he made for the sake of the Gospel.
“Dear Lord, we thank you for the example of St. Joseph Vaz, who dedicated his life to spreading your Gospel. May his devotion and perseverance inspire us to live our faith with courage and conviction. Amen.”
In a groundbreaking move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. This historic decision marks a significant step in the Pope’s efforts to give women more leadership roles in the Catholic Church.
Sister Simona, 59, will lead the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees all Catholic religious orders, including the Jesuits and Franciscans. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the second-in-command in the religious orders department since last year.
Pope Francis’ decision to appoint a woman to lead a major Vatican office is a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s journey towards greater inclusivity and equality. While women have held important roles in the Church throughout history, this appointment marks a new era of leadership and recognition for women’s contributions.
A Leader with a Deep Understanding of Religious Life
Sister Simona is a member of the Consolata Missionaries religious order and has dedicated her life to serving others. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in her new role, as she works to support and guide the many religious orders and communities that make up the Catholic Church.
A New Chapter for the Vatican
As Sister Simona begins her new role, the Vatican enters a new chapter in its history. This appointment is a testament to Pope Francis’ commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable Church, and marks an important step towards a brighter future for all Catholics.
