The Good Shepherd Institute Theology, Rachol Seminary, Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, India, ended its 2023–2024 theological-pastoral course with 116 participants from across the state.
The institute gave 102 diplomas and 14 certificates to attendees.
A Diploma Day event on January 14, 2024, culminated the program. Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, led the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr. Donato Rodrigues, the Rector of the Seminary, along with other seminary staff, joined in the concelebration.
In his homily-themed "Know Christ, Share Christ," Cardinal Ferrão urged course participants to deepen their experience of Jesus and emulate the apostles in bearing witness to Him.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a special program unfolded, with Fr. Donato Rodrigues extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants gathered for the occasion.
Addressing the participants of the course, the Archbishop emphasized the collective commitment of the entire church to the synodal journey. The overarching theme for this journey is centered on Communion, Participation, and Mission, elements that many have actively engaged with.
Reflecting on the recently concluded first phase of the Synod (4–29 October 2023), he highlighted the three key parts of the synthesis report: "The Face of the Synodal Church," "All Disciples, All Missionaries," and "Weaving Bonds, Building Community."
Cardinal Ferrão emphasized the urgent need to educate the entire people of God, highlighting the crucial role of continuous formation in fostering a truly synodal church. Emphasizing the urgency of educating the entire people of God, he stressed that continuous formation is crucial for fostering a truly synodal church.
The Prelate emphasized the responsibility to be firmly rooted in Jesus, urging participants to witness the Gospel. He said that the Pastoral Institute previously conducted the ongoing formation course for the laity but now entrusts the course to the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol.
Cardinal Ferrão said that the course aims to provide information and, more importantly, to instigate a transformative process through comprehensive formation. He appreciated the course coordinator, Fr. Macson Fernandes, and the staff of the seminary for conducting this course successfully.
During the celebration, seminarians presented an instrumental and a choral piece, -mhonn'nneo ( Proverbs in konkani) conducted by Fr. Matthew Rebelo, Professor of Music at the Seminary.
Seminarian Newton Colaco anchored the program. Diplomas and certificates of participation in the course were presented to the participants at the hands of Cardinal Ferrão.
Sr. Evelyn Monteiro, SCC, Visiting Professor at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rachol Seminary, distributed prizes to the seminarians. Stella Fernandes thanked the organizers on behalf of the participants. Fr. Nelson Sequeira, Director of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, proposed a vote of thanks.
Cedrick Costa from Margao and Sheina Castelo from Nagoa-Verna shared their experiences of participating in the course during the program.
On this Diploma Day, Cardinal Ferrão also unveiled the latest edition of LUCEAS, the seminary's yearly magazine. He praised Fr. Heston, the editor, and his crew for their dedicated completion of the publication.
Fr. Heston, speaking at the event, highlighted the magazine's role in fostering communication and sharing ideas, experiences, and insights in various realms of priestly formation and ecclesial life with both clergy and laity.
He said this year's theme, "In your priestly formation and ministry: Do as I have done," encourages priests to embody Jesus Christ's profound teachings and actions, including compassion, love, empathy, humility, and service.
Emphasizing the magazine's longstanding history, Fr. Heston expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of staff and seminarians over the past 44 years. He noted the magazine's gradual progression toward desired goals and development.
Explaining the title "LUCEAS," Fr. Heston revealed its origin from 'Luceas sicut luminare,' translating to 'that light may always shine.' This phrase serves as the seminary's guiding motto, symbolizing the enduring influence of the light of Christ throughout its existence. - Br. John Malvino Alfonso, OCD
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
