Indian Bishop Joins Parishioners in Harvesting Paddy

In a remarkable gesture of solidarity, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, wesetern India, joined the parishioners of Our Lady–Mother of the Poor Church, Tilamola, Goa, in harvesting paddy with a sickle in hand on October 14, turning an ordinary day into a profound spiritual experience.

Bishop Simião led the Prayer of Blessing before the harvest began. The event became a living witness of faith in action, uniting clergy, youth, and parishioners in caring for creation and for one another.

Faith in Action: A Bishop’s Call to Care for Creation

Motivated by the words of Pope Francis, “Creation is God’s gift to us; we are its stewards, do not prey on it,” Bishop Simião said, “Much harm is being done to God’s creation today. As chairman of the Western Region Commission for Ecology, I wanted to ‘walk the talk’ and encourage others to care for our common home.”

The bishop shared that working alongside simple people has always brought him joy. “The synodal journey urges us to walk and work together. Joining the fieldwork was my way of motivating and encouraging the faithful,” he said. He also highlighted the dignity of labor, especially for the youth: “Every toil has value before God. I was glad to see many youngsters in the field. I urge them to use their energy and talent to make the best of God’s gift of land.”

Praising the villagers for following traditional farming methods, Bishop Simião added, “Such practices not only sustain the soil but also strengthen communion through shared participation.”

“A Moment I Will Never Forget”

Fr. Aldrin D’Costa, Parish Priest of Tilamola Church, shared how the idea of cultivating a field began over a simple dinner.

“Fr. Aidan, my assistant priest, and I were having dinner one evening last year when we thought of cultivating a field. I asked a friend if their family could give us land, and they readily agreed. That’s how our journey began, a small dream shared over a meal.”

Since then, the parish has been cultivating fields with parishioners. This year, students from Tilamola and Paroda High Schools and members of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology joined the initiative.

“Before the harvest, Fr. Aidan Fernandes, Fr. Danrish D’Costa (Assistant Priests), and I wondered if we could invite our Bishop. We called him, and without hesitation, he said yes.”

On October 14, Bishop Simião Fernandes joined the parishioners in harvesting.

“It was wonderful to have our Bishop with us,” Fr. Aldrin said. “When he worked alongside us, my eyes filled with tears; it was a moment I will never forget.”

“When the Purpose Is Right, God Makes Wonders Happen”

Sharing his reflections, Fr. Aidan Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest of Tilamola, said that for the past two years, the parish has been cultivating fields to help the young learn traditional farming and remain connected to Mother Earth.

“This year’s harvest was truly special,” he said, “as our shepherd, Bishop Simião Fernandes, joined us in the field, working like an ordinary farmer. It was heartwarming to see everyone united in joy and song. You just need to give people the right purpose, and when the purpose is right, God makes wonders happen.”

“An Example of Servant Leadership”

“It was a heart-touching experience to see our Bishop working alongside us in the fields,” said parishioner Claudia Cardozo, expressing her admiration for Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes’ humble gesture. “He taught us a valuable lesson on humility and care for our Mother Earth,” she added.

What moved many was the Bishop’s wholehearted participation, helping in harvesting, separating grains from the sheaves through traditional threshing, and later sharing conjee served in a coconut shell.

His presence among the farmers made the day memorable, a living example of servant leadership, simplicity, and solidarity with his people.

“Unity, Belonging, and Joy”

Parish youth Imson Fernandes shared his joy and surprise at seeing Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes working in the fields.

“Being a Bishop, coming to my parish and working in the field was something I never expected,” he said. “I knew he had earlier done the transplanting at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, but never thought he would come to our village. His presence encouraged us, especially the youth.”

Imson added, “Working with the Bishop and fellow parishioners taught me teamwork, techniques of harvesting, and gave me a deep sense of unity, belonging, and joy.”

“An Inspiring Moment”

Reflecting on the experience, catechist Bernard Menezes said, “I was surprised to see our Auxiliary Bishop in our parish early in the morning. After Mass, we learned he would bless the harvest and join us in the field. I had never heard of a Bishop doing fieldwork; it was amazing!”

He continued, “Traditionally, elders begin harvesting, threshing, and bagging, but this year Bishop Simião himself did it. Seeing him share conjee with dry fish was inspiring.”

Bernard added that the parish priests revived cultivation last year, and with the Bishop’s participation, “this year’s harvest will be remembered forever.”

The Bishop’s simple yet powerful presence in the field reminded everyone that true leadership is rooted in service. His act of humility rekindled unity, inspired ecological awareness, and strengthened the bond between shepherd and flock, leaving Tilamola with a memory that will endure for years to come.

(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.)