Indian cardinal outlines vision of hope for 2025–2026

In a powerful message echoing Pope Francis' call for a hope-filled Church, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman has urged the faithful to become living signs of hope, especially to those on the margins of society.

The Pastoral Letter for 2025–2026, themed “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” (Rom 5:5), was officially released on June 1 by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Valpoi.

Addressed to priests, nuns, lay faithful, and people of goodwill, the letter invites all to embody and radiate Christian hope in concrete ways.

“Hope is the anchor that holds us amid the storms of life,” Cardinal Ferrão writes in the introduction, distinguishing it from mere optimism. Drawing deeply from Scripture, he reflects on hope as a force that renews (cf. Is 40:31), brings joy and peace (cf. Rom 15:13), purifies (cf. 1 Jn 3:3), and strengthens patience (cf. Rom 8:24–25).

Citing Church teachings from Gaudium et Spes, Lumen Gentium, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Dei Verbum, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Cardinal highlights the Church’s mission to be a source of encouragement throughout the world.

In alignment with the synodal journey and the Jubilee Year of Hope initiated by Pope Francis, the letter calls for a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission—“firmly anchored in this hope that does not disappoint.”

Reaching the Margins with Hope

The letter outlines eight key pastoral priorities inspired by Scripture and Pope Francis’ vision. These include:

• Care for vulnerable groups, including prisoners, individuals with disabilities, the sick, the elderly, and the poor;

• Accompaniment of young people through faith formation and mentoring;

• Support for families facing modern challenges;

• Inclusion of migrants through integration and pastoral care;

• We demonstrate our commitment to the environment by implementing sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives.

These priorities are designed for implementation at the archdiocesan, deanery, and parish levels—encouraging a united and compassionate response to the signs of the times.

Models of Hope: Mary and St. Joseph Vaz

In conclusion, Ferrão lifts Mary, the Mother of Hope, and St. Joseph Vaz, the patron of the Archdiocese, as models for the faithful. Mary “kept the lamp of hope burning amid storms,” while St. Joseph Vaz “revived hope wherever he went,” even amidst plague and persecution.

As the new pastoral year unfolds, the cardinal calls on the entire archdiocese to live hope through action—transforming it into visible works of mercy, justice, inclusion, and stewardship.