India: Cardinal Filipe Neri releases new book on Goan Church History

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão released a significant new book titled A Church on a Journey: The Archdiocese of Goa and its Governors, authored by Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira, at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The release coincided with the 75th birthday celebration of the author, who serves as Secretary to the Archbishop.

The solemn event was graced by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman; Bishop Alex Dias, SFX, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair; Bishop Alwyn Barretto, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg; and Prof. Isabel de Santa Rita Vas. The book, published by New Age Printers of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, traces the rich history of the Archdiocese through the lives and ministries of its bishops over the centuries.

Cardinal Filipe Neri “A Labor of Love and Chronicle of Faith”

Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Ferrão described the publication as “a labor of love” and “a narrative of faith, leadership, and community that has journeyed for over five centuries.” He noted that the book was not merely a compilation of facts and dates, but an evocative chronicle capturing “the spirit of the times and the character of the bishops who shepherded the faithful through moments of peace, growth, and transformation.”

Expressing gratitude to Fr. Pereira, the Cardinal praised his “discretion, grace, and quiet faithfulness” in over three decades of service, calling him a “meticulous chronicler and lover of history.” He hoped the book would inspire readers to recognize themselves as part of a continuing story, a living tradition that calls all to proclaim Christ, serve the underprivileged, and work toward a just and peaceful society rooted in human dignity.

Prof. Isabel de Santa Rita Vas: “A Work of Love and Historical Insight”

Introducing the book, Prof. Isabel de Santa Rita Vas described it as “a work of great love and care” and “a necessary contribution for anyone studying the history of the Church in Goa.” She noted that Fr. Pereira, thoroughly familiar with the subject, has spent 49 years in priestly ministry, three decades of which were in the Bishop’s House, daily encountering the portraits of Goa’s ecclesiastical governors in the Throne Room and halls. His deep interest in history and mastery of several languages, she added, have been invaluable in crafting this unique volume. Prof. Vas highlighted that Fr. Pereira drew from numerous sources.

Prof. Vas further pointed out that A Church on a Journey is the first book in English to feature all the governors of the Church in Goa, bishops as well as priests. The work, she said, will appeal not only to students of Church history but also to Goans in general, as it includes references to around 20 Roman priests and nearly 70 Goan bishops who have served across India, Asia, Africa, and even the United States. The book also touches on significant historical episodes, including the Inquisition and the longstanding conflict between the Portuguese Padroado and the Roman Propaganda Fide.

“The volume is beautifully illustrated, carefully laid out, and deeply researched,” Prof. Vas remarked. “It stands as a remarkable contribution to our understanding of the Church’s journey in Goa, its faith, challenges, and enduring spirit.”

Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira: “Inspiration and Tribute to Church Leaders”

Reflecting on the inspiration behind his work, Fr. Pereira said the idea took shape during his nearly three decades of service at the Archbishop’s House in Altinho. “My office is just six feet away from the Throne Hall, where 35 portraits of our Archdiocesan governors hang. Over the years, I felt as though those portraits were speaking to me, pleading, ‘Take us out of this house into the city and beyond. Let the world know who we were.’ After all these years, I finally gave in to their silent supplications, and this book is the result,” he explained.

The author described A Church on a Journey as a tribute to those leaders whose lives continue to inspire. He shared anecdotes of past archbishops—one who dined daily with twelve homeless persons for fifteen years, another who required European missionaries to learn Konkani within six months, and yet another from the 16th century who encouraged laypeople to bring their complaints, even against him, to the church council, promising fair hearings. “Such stories show that among our church governors were visionaries far ahead of their time,” Fr. Pereira said.

He also acknowledged that the Church’s history includes more complex chapters, such as instances of colonial influence and cultural imposition, but emphasized that his book seeks to portray the full spectrum of the Church’s journey, its faith, struggles, and evolution. “We have had all kinds of archbishops,” he remarked, “and yes, even Goan priests who later became governors of the Archdiocese. Some of them may well be your grand-uncles or cousins.”

Expressing deep satisfaction with his work, Fr. Pereira concluded, “I am immensely glad I finally did it. Those 35 distinguished figures can now step down from the wall and walk into the world to meet readers and admirers. Their stories deserve to be known.”

Ceremonial Highlights and Guests

Her Excellency Dr. Isabel Mendonça Raimundo, Consul General of Portugal in Goa, and her husband Dr. Luis Pereira Coutinho, her consort, were present on the occasion. Earlier, Fr. Myron Barreto, Manager of New Age Printers, welcomed the gathering. The event featured Marian hymns presented by Omar de Loiola and his choir, while Fr. Ramiro Luis anchored the programme. Fr. Onasis D’Cruz proposed the vote of thanks.

(Br. John Malvino Alfonso, OCD, is a member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, based at Avila Jyothi, Mapusa, Goa, India.)