India: Twelve Deacons Ordained Priests in Goa, Cardinal Ferrão Calls for Christ-Centered Ministry

 The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, southwest India, ordained twelve deacons to the priesthood during a Eucharistic celebration at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on April 26.

The Mass was presided over by Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who urged the newly ordained in his homily to become “His collaborators.”

Cardinal Ferrão described the priesthood as participation in the mission of Christ rather than a functional role. He said the call to the priesthood is rooted in a close relationship with Jesus and involves sharing in his work of teaching, guiding, and serving the faithful.

Referring to the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, he emphasized that vocation begins with God’s initiative. “It is Christ who calls and entrusts,” he said, noting that the dignity of the priesthood comes from this call rather than personal merit.

Drawing from the call of the prophet Jeremiah, the Cardinal said that priestly life includes challenges and uncertainty. He told the newly ordained that God’s presence does not remove difficulties but accompanies them through their ministry.

He outlined three aspects of priestly life: the heart, the hands, and the eyes of Jesus.

He said priests are called to develop a “heart” that responds with compassion, particularly toward the poor and those on the margins. He described the “hands” of Jesus as a sign of service, urging priests to engage concretely with the needs of people. The “eyes” of Jesus, he said, reflect a way of seeing others with dignity and mercy, especially in the context of reconciliation.

Cardinal Ferrão also pointed to the demands of priestly ministry, citing the Gospel passage, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” He said effective ministry depends on a sustained relationship with Christ.

He encouraged the newly ordained to maintain a disciplined spiritual life, grounded in prayer, reflection on Scripture, and regular celebration of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.

The Cardinal also addressed the faithful, asking them to support priests through prayer and cooperation. He said priesthood is lived within the wider community of the Church, where clergy and laity share responsibility for its mission.