India: Cardinal Ferrão Urges Catholics to Be “Light of the World” at Sindhudurg Cathedral Dedication

Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, archbishop of Goa, and president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, called on Christians to become “the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and transforming leaven in society” during the solemn dedication of the new Cathedral of Our Lady of Milagris in the Diocese of Sindhudurg on May 9.

The Diocese of Sindhudurg is located in the coastal Konkan region of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, known for its historic Catholic communities and Portuguese-era Christian heritage.

The Eucharistic celebration marking the inauguration of the diocese’s mother church was presided over by Cardinal Ferrão and concelebrated by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, archbishop-emeritus of Bombay, along with Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, Bishop Alwyn Barretto, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg, Cathedral Rector Fr. Millet Dsouza, and several bishops and priests.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Church as a community rooted in faith, love, and witness. He said Christians become “living stones” of the Church through Baptism and are called to deepen their faith through prayer, reflection on the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

Describing the newly dedicated Cathedral as “a privileged place for us to celebrate faith and grow in faith,” Cardinal Ferrão also stressed the social responsibility of Christians.

“We become a community of witness by serving one another, by upholding truth, and through forgiveness,” he said.

He pointed to Our Lady of Milagris, patroness of the Cathedral, and Mother Teresa, the co-patroness, as examples of Christian witness through compassion and service.

Cardinal Gracias, who inaugurated the Cathedral by cutting the ceremonial ribbon, described the Cathedral as the spiritual center of the diocese, linking all parishes through worship and pastoral ministry.

“Every church is the presence of Christ,” Cardinal Gracias said, adding that the Cathedral would become a place where faith is strengthened, the poor are welcomed with dignity, and people facing loneliness and suffering find encouragement.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Bishop Alwyn Barretto, crediting him for years of fundraising and supervision that helped bring the Cathedral project to completion.

A commemorative souvenir marking the dedication was released during the event, and contributors to the Cathedral’s construction were honored. Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro proposed the vote of thanks.