FABC President Urges Synodal, Missionary Church at Mater Dei Convocation

Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrão called for a more synodal and missionary Church during the convocation and valedictory ceremony at the Institute Mater Dei, held at Santa Monica Convent on March 28, 2026.

The Institute Mater Dei is a formation institute for women religious located in Goa, southwest India.

“The Church is the house of the Father, where there is a place for everyone, with all their struggles and burdens,” the cardinal said, echoing the vision of Pope Francis.

Reflecting on the identity and mission of the Church today, Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC), emphasized that the Church must not become rigid or exclusive but remain a welcoming space marked by compassion and mercy. He cautioned against reducing the Church to structures, procedures, or narrow concerns.

Elaborating on the key dimensions of a synodal Church, he described communion as “unity in diversity,” urging the faithful to foster harmony across caste, creed, language, and region while respecting differences. On participation, he stressed that “every baptized person is important,” with unique gifts that must be recognized and put to service, calling for more inclusive and participatory leadership.

The cardinal further underlined the importance of being “a listening Church,” attentive not only to the Spirit and to one another but also to people of other faiths and to creation.

Recalling the call to the synodal journey, he urged the faithful to see the Church as essentially missionary, one that builds bridges, fosters dialogue, and accompanies those in need. “The Church is called to be a living sign of unity and reconciliation in the world,” he said, adding that it must sow “seeds of peace and hope among all people.”

Cardinal Ferrão expressed appreciation to the Institute Mater Dei for its contribution to the Church in Goa and commended its staff and students for their service.

Sr. Celine Fatima, executive member of the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI), also addressed the gathering.

During the event, the institute’s annual magazine was released by the cardinal. The program included a cultural presentation by the student sisters, along with personal testimonies shared by Sr. Punita, CSST and Sr. Tincy, FMCK.

Sr. Margaret Julie, SSAM, animator of the institute, welcomed the gathering, while Sr. Gracy Lily FS and Sr. Margaret Julie presented the annual report. The program was anchored by Sr. Ashima SCC and Sr. Neelima Mary, ASMI, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr. Aarti Wad, FMCK and Sr. Nirmala, SCC.