India: Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Hosts Christmas Celebration for Church Employees

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, southwestern India, hosted a Christmas celebration for Church employees, bringing together various Church employees, including  the representatives of sacristans, cooks, grave diggers, gardeners, clerks, and other support staff serving in parishes/ Chapels across the Archdiocese on  December 30, 2025.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão welcomed the gathering and expressed his happiness at their presence, appreciating their valuable contribution to the life and mission of the Church. Explaining the purpose of the meet, he said it was organised  not only to celebrate Christmas  but also to express the concern and gratitude of the Church towards parish employees who serve faithfully, often behind the scenes.

Speaking on the meaning and value of work, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on three essential aspects: the responsibility of work, the dignity of work, and work as a means of holiness. Emphasising responsibility, he said, “We serve society and the Church through our work.” Highlighting the dignity of labour, he added that “every work has its own value,” noting that through their parish duties, employees “serve the Church itself.”

Describing work as a path to holiness, the Archbishop said, “We do not become holy by chance.” He stressed that holiness is nurtured through daily work done with dedication and faith, stating that “through our work, our families, our communities, and the Church become holy.”

Clarifying that only representatives from each parish were invited, the Cardinal said, “We could not invite everyone working in our parishes. We invited only representatives and asked them to convey our gratitude to all.” Encouraging them, he urged parish employees to “continue your generous service to the Church.”

Referring to the words of St Paul, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the gathering that “God loves a cheerful giver,” calling parish employees to serve with joy and commitment.

Highlighting care for creation, he said, “Nature is our common home,” and appealed to parish employees to protect and preserve the environment by caring for “our forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains and others.”

Throughout the celebration, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão repeatedly expressed heartfelt gratitude, both personally and on behalf of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, for the committed service rendered by parish employees.

In recent years, the Archdiocese has also been extending this celebration to deaf blind children along with their parents, prisoners, and inmates of homes for the aged, reflecting the Church’s commitment to inclusion and compassionate outreach during the Christmas season.

Programme included games conducted by  Fr Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Council of Social Justice and Peace Program began with the Prayer Service led by Ana D’ Mello, Principal of St Bridget Nursing Institute. Aldona Seminarian Jovial Dias and Pooja Fernandes anchored the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Auxiliary Bishop  Simião Fernandes highlighted  the contribution of all the employees  and thanked them

Voices from the participants

Sharing her experience, Mrs Matwin Flacy Cardozo, office staff at Our Lady of Patrocinio Chapel, Benaulim, said that it was her first time participating in such a celebration and described it as a deeply affirming experience.

Selvaraj Das, a gravedigger from Assolna parish, expressed his happiness at the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman for organising the Christmas celebration, describing it as a meaningful gesture of recognition for parish employees.

He said that the gathering made him feel valued and encouraged, adding that such initiatives inspire parish employees to carry out their responsibilities with renewed dedication and commitment. Participating in the celebration, Selvaraj noted that the words of appreciation and encouragement strengthened his resolve to continue serving the Church with greater sincerity and devotion.

Mercedes Oliveira, a cook at St Joseph’s Parish, São José de Areal, said that participating in the celebration made her feel happy and brought her a deep sense of peace of mind. She shared that the gathering also gave her an opportunity to meet and get to know other parish employees from her deanery and from different parts of Goa, making the experience both enriching and memorable.

Cruz Gomes, sacristan at St Alex Church, Calangute, expressed his happiness that the Church had remembered those serving in the parishes. He said that such gestures of appreciation made parish employees feel valued and acknowledged for their dedicated service.

 Fr Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor, Fr Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas- Goa, Episcopal Vicars, and representatives of Deans were also present at the celebration.