“Be rooted in Jesus and carry forward the mission with optimism and joy in your heart. Social Apostolate is a mission, and mission calls for dedication and self-sacrifice,” urged Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão as he addressed the gathering during the Jubilee celebrations of the Social Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The Jubilee was marked with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Cardinal Ferrão on September 7 at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Henry Falcão, Director of the Centre and Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone; Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas Goa; Fr. Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace; Fr. Joaquim Rebelo, SFX, Provincial Superior of the Society of Pilar; Fr. Walter D’Souza; and Fr. George Nandiyala, SFX.
Delivering the homily on the theme “Upholding Human Dignity: Let Us Become Apostles of Hope in Society,” the Cardinal invited the faithful to remain deeply rooted in Jesus and to carry forward His mission of promoting human dignity.
“As Jesus was caring, joyful in service, and compassionate towards others, so too, as true disciples of Christ, we must show care for the needy, serve joyfully, and be compassionate, especially towards those who wrong us,” he reminded the congregation.
Recalling the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, he praised their Eucharistic devotion and discipleship. “We can pretend to follow Jesus without being His disciples,” the Prelate warned, urging all present to become authentic disciples who bring hope and healing to society.
Following the Mass, a fellowship programme was held, during which religious congregations engaged in social ministry in Goa were felicitated by Cardinal Ferrão.
Acknowledging their tireless service, he said: “You are the face of the Social Apostolate of the Church in Goa.”
He further emphasized the call to uphold the dignity of every person. “Reaching out to the needy and those on the peripheries of society, and thus restoring the image of God, is our responsibility,” he noted. Celebrating the richness of diversity, he added, “Whatever may be our diversities, they reflect God’s abundance. Let us celebrate diversity.”
Calling for synodal discipleship rooted in Christ, the Cardinal underlined forgiveness, acceptance, and compassion as the marks of authentic Christian witness.
Fr. Savio Fernandes welcomed the gathering, while Ashton Souza anchored the fellowship programme, which included interactive games and presentations of each congregation’s social ministry in Goa. Representatives from Caritas Goa centres and religious congregations across the Archdiocese participated actively.
Fr. Maverick Fernandes expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the Jubilee celebration.
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