PANAJI
Stating that the administrative, as well as pastoral mission, forms the heart of a Cardinal, Pope Francis on Saturday reminded Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao and 19 other new cardinals to be filled with the Fire of Jesus.
"The secret Fire of God brings light to the world and at the same time also cooks the food of the poor, the migrants and the needy. Let us not forget this aspect,” said Pope Francis, during his homily at the Consistory to make Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao a cardinal at St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
“A fire that Jesus brings, Fire of the spirit, that regenerates, that purifies, that leads us and also the fire of meekness, tenderness, to be concerned. Always follow the Lord in great and small things.”
“Always faithful to him filled by zeal to fulfil His mission. He calls us to reach out to everyone, including the least of all. Every opportunity to do good is important, however great it may be or however little it may seem."
He concluded by saying, "Jesus calls us by name and asks "Can I count on you?"
Vatican Flag unfurled at Archbishop’s House
PANAJI:
The Archdiocese of Goa experienced prayerful, joyful and proud moments after Pope Francis made Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao a Cardinal on Saturday and a flag of the Vatican was unfurled by Vicar General Jose Remedios Fernandes at the Archbishop’s House in Panaji, to express joy and solidarity with the universal Church.
Cardinal Ferrao is the first cardinal of the Archdiocese in its 465-year history.
According to the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), this flag is unfurled only on special occasions when an event concerns specifically to the Archdiocese and Universal church.
Fr Jose Remedios, who is presently in charge of the Archdiocese as the Archbishop is away, expressed his joy by saying: "It is indeed a joyful moment for all Goans that the Son of our Soil has been elevated to such a great position of service.”
“It is also a great responsibility that is placed on the shoulders of our Archbishop to collaborate with the Pope to serve the Universal Church."
“As Goans, it is another opportunity for us to contribute to the universal church. We need to pray for him and collaborate with him in any way possible to help him in discharging his duties," he added.
In other parts of Goa, all Churches conducted prayer services and prayed during the Eucharistic celebration for His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao.
