Top Indian Prelate Extends New Year Greetings, Voices Concern Over Attacks on Christians

Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), has extended New Year greetings to the people of Goa and the nation, while expressing serious concern over the growing insecurity faced by minority communities in India.

“As is my custom, I wish to take the opportunity at the dawning of another year to wish all our readers, particularly from Goa, a New Year filled with the Almighty’s blessings in their lives and endeavours,” he said. He prayed “for the gifts of peace for our families, harmony within our communities, and unity for our State and our Nation.”

While greeting the faithful, the Archbishop voiced his “deep anguish” over recent incidents affecting minority communities, particularly Christians. Referring to attacks reported during Christmas celebrations in various parts of the country, he described these incidents as “a painful testimony” to the growing sense of insecurity. Such acts, he noted, “vitiate the moral fabric of our Nation, which has traditionally been peace-loving and supportive of its diverse cultures, religions, and traditions.”

Cardinal Ferrão observed that these incidents not only cause pain to Christian communities but also undermine the foundational values of the country. He described them as being “in blatant disregard for the sacred values India has always stood for.”

Highlighting constitutional guarantees, the Archbishop expressed grave concern that despite the Constitution of India mandating the “free and fair practice of one’s religion,” some communities continue to be persecuted for celebrating their most important religious festivals. He further observed that such incidents often occur “with the tacit approval of the authorities.”

Looking ahead to the New Year, Cardinal Ferrão made a strong appeal to authorities at all levels. “As we venture into the year 2026, we appeal to the concerned authorities at all levels to own their constitutional responsibility and moral accountability, and to act decisively and impartially,” he stated. He stressed the need to bring perpetrators to justice in order to restore public confidence in “the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of our great Nation.”

The Archbishop also called upon citizens to actively promote unity and harmony. He urged “the overwhelming majority of our fellow countrymen, who continue to stand for harmony, justice, and mutual respect, to join hands in countering divisive forces and upholding the unity of our Nation.”

Concluding his message, Cardinal Ferrão invoked God’s blessings upon the country, saying, “God bless our Country!”