Indian Prelate Calls Young Faithful to Care for Creation and Become Lights of Hope

In a solemn and spirit-filled celebration at St Joseph’s Church, Dramapur, Bishop Simio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 40 young faithful, urging them to become “lights of hope” through the power of the Holy Spirit, especially by taking care of God’s creation.

The mass was concelebrated by Fr. Pascoal Afonso, Parish Priest, and Fr. Diogo Proença, OCD.

Delivering his homily on the theme “Let Us Become the Lights of Hope Through the Power of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Simião invited the young faithful to respond to the pressing call of Pope Francis to be guardians of creation and witnesses of hope in today’s world.

“Hope for creation is slowly weakening,” Bishop Simião lamented. “Creation is God’s gift to us; we are its stewards, do not prey on it,” said the Prelate, quoting  Pope Francis.

Bishop Simião, who is also the Chairman of the CCBI Western Region Commission for Ecology, reflected deeply on the current ecological crisis. He reminded the faithful of the Holy Father’s teaching that care for creation is both a moral and spiritual responsibility.

Quoting from Genesis 1:31, “after creating, God saw that it was good,” he put before the congregation a thought-provoking question: “But can we say the same today? Our mountains are excavated, our trees are cut down, our air and water are polluted, and garbage fills our environment. The beauty of creation is wounded by human greed.”

The Bishop urged the young confirmation candidates to take a prophetic role in protecting the environment. “You will receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit,” he told them. “These gifts are not for yourselves alone; they empower you to bring hope to your families, your communities, and to creation itself.” He invited all to echo the Psalmist’s prayer: “Lord, send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30). “The Holy Spirit will renew the earth through you,” the Bishop said.

Becoming Lights of Hope in Families and Society

While focusing on the call to care for creation, Bishop Simião also connected this mission to the broader theme of hope within family and social life.

“Whatever good we wish to do must begin in our families,” he reminded the youth.

Citing Pope Francis, he said the Holy Father encourages families to use three simple yet transformative words, “Thank you,” “Please,” and “Sorry.” He added that family prayer, daily reflection on Scripture, and mutual love form the foundation of Christian life.

“A Christian family,” Bishop Simião said, “is where members share each other’s joys and sorrows, honour their parents and elders, and respect the sacrifices they make. That is where holiness begins.”

Extending the call to the community and society at large, the Bishop referred to Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), which invites believers to be “tangible signs of hope.”

“Pope Francis has given us this Jubilee Year as a great gift,” he said. “He calls us to reach out to the prisoners, the sick, the elderly, the poor, the migrants, persons with disabilities, and the youth struggling with various forms of abuse. When we do this in the power of the Spirit, we truly become lights of hope.” 

A Call to Ongoing Faith and Service

Congratulating the 40 youngsters and their parents, Bishop Simião reminded them that Confirmation is not the end, but a new beginning.

“Catechism continues throughout life,” he said. “You are called to serve the Church by joining its associations and movements, and by witnessing to Christ through concrete acts of love and care for others and for creation.”

He expressed deep appreciation for the parish catechists.

Bishop told the youngsters who received the sacrament of Confirmation:  “I see  through you hope shining in families, in neighbourhoods, in society, and in our common home, the creation entrusted to our care.”

The Celebration

The liturgy was animated by the catechists, with Wilma Antao serving as the liturgical commentator. The parish choir led the congregation in inspiring hymns.

At the conclusion, Fr. Pascoal Afonso, the Parish Priest, thanked the Bishop, the concelebrants, catechists, the 40  youngsters, their parents, and all who made the day memorable.

The ceremony ended with Bishop Simião’s stirring reminder:  “Filled with the Holy Spirit, go and become lights of hope, in your families, in society, and for all of God’s creation.”

(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.)