Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 27 young faithful during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St Sebastian’s Church in Loliem.
Presiding over the Eucharist, Bishop Fernandes preached a homily centred on the theme, ‘Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, let us become a Light of Hope’. He appealed to the newly confirmed to become “a light of hope in the family, in society, in the parish, and towards nature.”
Addressing the young faithful, Bishop Simião encouraged them to become signs of hope within their families by reading and reflecting on the Word of God, listening to parents and elders, and practising good behaviour rooted in faith.
Turning attention to care for creation, Bishop Fernandes spoke about hope for nature.
Referring to ongoing protests in Goa against ecological destruction, he appealed to the faithful to safeguard the environment. Responsible waste management, prudent use of electricity, proper garbage disposal, and planting trees were highlighted as concrete ways of becoming hope for ecology.
The Bishop also exhorted the youth to actively serve the Church through their involvement in associations and movements, thereby becoming lights of hope in their parishes.
Bishop Fernandes congratulated the Parish Priest, the young faithful, their parents, and catechists for their commitment and preparation.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr Patrick Luis SFX, Dean of the Canacona Deanery, Fr Rui Pereira CSC, Parish Priest of St Sebastian’s Church, along with several other priests. Fr Rui Pereira welcomed the Bishop and expressed joy at his first official visit to the parish. A memento was presented to the Bishop on behalf of the parish. Bishop Fernandes was welcomed by a prayer dance at the entrance. The liturgy was meaningfully animated by the catechists.
