India: Goa Archbishop Issues Pastoral Letter Ahead of New Diocesan Plan and 500th Anniversary of the See

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has released a new Pastoral Letter addressed to the priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, as preparations begin for a New Diocesan Pastoral Plan and the Fifth Centenary of the Erection of the See of Goa. The letter, issued on November 10, conveys a message of hope and God’s blessings.

Citing the Jubilee Year theme, “Hope does not disappoint us” (Rom 5:5), the Cardinal expressed joy over ongoing efforts to nurture hope and protect “our common home.” He recalled the Synod 2021–2024 as a great gift to the Church, noting that its Final Document now calls each local Church to implement its proposals toward deeper communion, participation, and mission.

Cardinal Ferrão announced that a new pastoral plan will be drafted following broad consultation. He urged the faithful to participate actively and pray for the process, asking the key question guiding the renewal: “Where is God calling our Church to be by 2033?”

Six Realities Guiding Renewal

The Cardinal highlighted six major factors shaping the Archdiocese’s path forward:

1. Great Jubilee of Redemption 2033

The Church is preparing for the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. The Cardinal stressed the need for missionary conversion and the formation of “a people for missionary discipleship,” as urged by the Synod.

2. Implementation of the Synodal Proposals and the Ecclesial Assembly 2028

The next phase must transform diocesan structures and practices so that the Church becomes more participatory, co-responsible, and authentically synodal.

3. Asian Reality and the Bangkok Document

He emphasized the urgency of dialogue and collaboration in Asia’s rapidly evolving context, citing the six priorities of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences: formation in synodal spirituality; iInclusivity and hospitality; forming missionary disciples; accountability and transparency; prayer and worship and care for the environment.

4. CCBI Pastoral Plan: Mission 2033

India’s bishops invite the Church nationwide to journey toward the Great Jubilee through structural renewal and vibrant participation. The Archdiocese is already aligning its bodies and commissions with this vision.

5. The Fifth Centenary Celebration of the Erection of the See of Goa

Cardinal Ferrão recalled the 500-year legacy of the Church in Goa, established as a diocese in 1533, which grew into “a vibrant centre of missionary activity in Asia.” He highlighted the historic confluence of East and West, the missionary fervor of St. Francis Xavier and countless evangelizers, the spiritual heritage preserved in the sacred relics of the Gõycho Saib, and the witness of St. Joseph Vaz, Patron and “son of her womb.”

He described the fifth centenary as a moment of grace to “reflect on our glorious past, treasure the present, and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say for the future of this Local Church.” This celebration becomes a central pillar of the New Pastoral Plan, uniting history, identity, mission, and hope.

6. Changed Socio-Political Realities in Goa

“The socio-political realities in Goa have undergone a drastic change in the last few decades,” the Cardinal noted. He expressed concern over rising communal tensions, unemployment, environmental degradation, and educational challenges. He also pointed out that the increasing influx of migrants from other Indian states, along with the emigration of local Goans to other countries, has significantly altered Goa’s demographic landscape. These realities, he said, must be met with courage and fidelity to Gospel values.

Calling the centenary celebrations a moment of grace, the Cardinal recalled the Archdiocese’s historic missionary legacy, shaped by the zeal of St. Francis Xavier, the witness of St. Joseph Vaz, and the spiritual heritage of the Gõycho Saib.

He described the new pastoral plan as a spiritual journey similar to the disciples’ walk to Emmaus—one of renewed purpose, discernment, and hope. The Cardinal entrusted the process to Our Lady and invoked the intercession of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz. He closed with blessings for a holy Advent, a joyful Christmas, and a grace-filled New Year 2026.