LONDON
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão said it was a wonderful experience to see Goans living up to the faith and getting involved in parishes across the UK.
He was speaking to The Goan during his visit to the UK between July 31 and August 8, where he blessed, met and greeted Goan communities in Hounslow, Southall, Osterley and Swindon.
This was his first visit to the UK since being created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022; he had last visited the country as archbishop in 2018.
Cardinal Ferrão, who is also President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), said he had been there for the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Goan Association UK, where he presided over Mass at the UK Goan Festival at Cranford Community College, Hounslow, on August 2 at 11 am.
“I also visited quite some parish communities here in Hounslow, Southall, Osterley and Swindon. It was a wonderful experience, our Goans living up to the faith and witnessing to their faith, getting involved in the life of the parish,” said Cardinal Ferrão, while describing his interaction with the Goan communities.
Asked for his message to the Goan diaspora, Cardinal Ferrão replied: “I would very much wish that our Goans see a witness to their faith, which they have received. We have great stalwarts of faith like St Joseph Vaz and Venerable Father Agnelo. While they remain connected with the roots, our Goans must give abundant fruits of faith here in the land where they are living.”
HOUNSLOW
Cardinal Ferrão presided over a Mass in Konkani at the St Michael and St Martin Church, Hounslow, West London, on August 3 at 7 pm, where over 800 parishioners were present. Fr Lucas, Fr Renato Andrade SFX of the Goan Chaplaincy and Parish Priest Fr Damian concelebrated the Mass.
The main theme of the celebration was ‘Youth in Focus', and youth from Hayes, Cranford and Wembley took an active part in the Mass, participating in the readings and liturgical celebrations.
After Mass, Cardinal interacted with the Goan community at a meet-and-greet session, where he warmly greeted and blessed the people. This was followed by a fellowship in the parish hall with volunteers from the parish, who had helped and participated in the celebration.
The youth group presented special songs, followed by a Mando by the senior choir to celebrate faith, youth, culture and community.
SWINDON
Goans in Swindon welcomed Cardinal Ferrão at the Holy Rood Church, Swindon, on August 4, on the Feast of St John Marie Vianney, where he presided over the Konkani Mass at 6.30 pm.
As the congregation sang the Konkani hymn ‘Mogall Guru, Borea Gonvllea’, Cardinal Ferrão blessed the congregation and spent some time in prayer. Parish priest Fr Lucas Rodrigues welcomed the cardinal and thanked him for his visit to the Swindon parish.
During his homily at the Konkani Mass, Cardinal Ferrão stressed the importance of promoting the kingdom of God in families, communities and workplaces.
The choir for the Mass was conducted by Mark Furtado, assistant to the parish priest at Holy Rood Church.
After Mass, the cardinal spent time personally meeting and greeting the people, who were overjoyed to meet him.
Cardinal Ferrão returned to Holy Rood Church, Swindon, on August 6, where he celebrated Mass in English at 9.30 am.
Parishioners from the entire Deanery of St Aldhelm gathered for Mass, and the Dean, Rev. Dominic Findlay-Wilson, welcomed Cardinal Ferrão on behalf of the entire deanery, on behalf of Bishop of Clifton Bosco MacDonald, and Vicar General Mgr Canon Liam Slattery.
Fr Dominic thanked the cardinal for being with the community, praying with it, and blessing it.
In his homily the Cardinal reminded the congregation to follow Christ like the apostles, not only when things are favourable but also in times of difficulties, to walk with Christ and not to be mere spectators.
In his final remarks, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged vocations to the priesthood from within the community and mentioned the two present seminarians who have discerned the call to the sacred priesthood.
The ‘Rhythmix Goa’ children’s choir comprising around 50 members led the congregation at Mass.
Following Mass, the congregation greeted the cardinal in the parish garden.
Both Masses presided over by Cardinal Ferrão at Holy Rood Catholic Church drew huge crowds from the local communities, especially Goans.
“The people of Swindon remain ever so grateful to God for this wonderful celebration," said Parish Priest Fr Lucas Rodrigues.
SOUTHALL
Cardinal Ferrão visited Southall on August 5, where he presided over the Konkani Mass with a packed congregation at St Anselm's Church at 6.30 pm.
After Mass, a get-together with dinner was organised in honour of the cardinal, who got to meet and greet the gathering. Konkani songs were presented on the occasion. Inacio Palmira composed a Mando specially for the occasion. Jose Mendes composed a Konkani song, ‘Otto Salvarsan Korat', which he sang along with other musicians.
OSTERLEY
On August 7, Cardinal Ferrão visited Osterley, where he presided over the Mass in English at 7 pm at the Church of St Vincent de Paul. Parish priest Fr Feroz Fernandes SFX welcomed the cardinal on behalf of the congregation of over 300 people.
After Mass, Cardinal Ferrão got to meet and greet the parishioners.
Goan priests hail Cardinal’s visit as ‘great blessing’
Goan priests serving various communities and places across the UK have hailed the visit of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.
When contacted, Fr Lucas Rodrigues SFX, Parish Priest of Holy Rood Catholic Church and Goan Chaplain in Swindon, described Cardinal Ferrão’s visit to the UK as a “great blessing".
“In the past, Cardinal Ferrão had visited the UK as an archbishop. This was the first time he was visiting Goan communities in the UK as a cardinal, and this was a great blessing,” said Fr Lucas.
“It brought about immense joy for every Goan in the UK, and it was very special that our cardinal from Goa was with us in this country.”
“His primary purpose was the invitation to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of GOA UK, but he had a strong desire to meet Goan communities in the UK. And our Goans were delighted to welcome him, meet him and seek his blessings. In Swindon alone, there was a massive congregation at both Masses in Konkani and English, which he presided over,” Fr Lucas added.
Fr Feroz Fernandes SFX, Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul, Osterley, London, told The Goan there were three aspects which highlighted Cardinal Ferrão’s message to the Goan communities in the UK.
“First, the cardinal encouraged the people to continue the fervour of their faith which Goans have brought along with them. Secondly, he advised them to remain connected to their homeland and, thirdly, to be rooted in the places where they are presently located,” said Fr Feroz.
Describing Cardinal Ferrão’s interaction with the Goan communities, Fr Feroz said the cardinal was down to earth and was very open to listen to the people.
“He could relate to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Despite his very hectic schedule, he made the time to meet Goans and even obliged several who were keen to have photos along with him.”
“As cardinal and president of the CCBI and FABC, Cardinal Ferrão connects Goa, India, Asia and the Universal Church. He spoke like a universal leader while listening at the grassroots level.”
Cardinal hears pastoral priorities of Goans in North West England
Goan Association North West (GANW) President Melanie Antao Fernandes held a constructive meeting with Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão to discuss the pastoral needs of the growing Goan Catholic community across North West England, including greater access to Konkani-speaking pastoral support and ways to strengthen faith and cultural traditions across generations.
When contacted, Melanie expressed her gratitude on behalf of GANW to Cardinal Ferrão for taking the time to meet with them and to listen to the pastoral needs and challenges facing Goans living across North West England.
“It was a warm and constructive conversation centred on how we can continue supporting the faith of a growing Goan diaspora while remaining fully integrated within our local parishes and dioceses,” said Melanie.
Melanie said the conversation also looked firmly towards the next generation.
“Our young Goans are growing up British, Goan and Catholic. Supporting them in maintaining a meaningful relationship with their faith, while understanding the religious and cultural traditions inherited from their families, is something we believe deserves greater attention,” explained Melanie.
“Most Goan Catholics are already active and well-integrated within their local parishes. Our aim is not to create something separate but to complement parish life by providing opportunities to celebrate traditions that remain important to our community, including Konkani Masses, the feasts of patron saints, retreats and other significant occasions in the Goan Catholic calendar.”
Melanie said GANW was also grateful to Fr Lucas Rodrigues SFX, Parish Priest of Holy Rood Catholic Church and Goan Chaplain in Swindon, and Fr Feroz Fernandes SFX, Parish Priest of the Church of St Vincent de Paul, Osterley, for their support and encouragement in helping take the conversation forward with the Cardinal.
“We are encouraged by His Eminence's willingness to support our future endeavours and look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Church and the dioceses across the North West. For the GANW, this is about looking ahead: preserving what is valuable in our faith and heritage while ensuring it remains relevant, accessible and meaningful to the generations that follow us,” she added.
