A file photo of Aldona Parish Priest Fr Tomas Lobo felicitating Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão in Aldona.
PANAJI
People in Aldona rejoiced on Thursday on hearing that a son of the soil has risen to head the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and wished God's choicest blessings on Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão as he takes over added responsibility of leading the Catholic Church in Asia.
Many still recalled the jubilation in the village when Cardinal Ferrão was created and proclaimed a Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of August 27, 2022.
“The Church in Goa, particularly our faith community in Aldona from where His Eminence Cardinal Ferrão hails, rejoices over the election of the son of the soil to the office of president of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC),” said Aldona Parish Priest Fr Tomas Lobo.
“This news is a testimony of his Eminence's exemplary leadership that is seen not only at the level of our archdiocese but also at the national and international level. We wish our Cardinal-Archbishop God's choicest blessings as he takes over his added responsibility of leading the Catholic Church in Asia.”
Said Gail Misquita, a resident of Aldona and Co-Convenor of the Main Coordinating Committee for the Synod-Goa Team: “It is with great joy and love, that we welcome the news of our Cardinal Ferrão being newly elected as President of FABC.”
“Our beloved Cardinal Ferrão possesses every gift and charism to lead the Holy People of God towards a more synodal Church.”
“His focus, foresight, dedication and commitment will definitely bring the Church in Asia to a deeper communion, towards Christian mission with whole hearted participation. We assure him of our continued support and prayers as he embarks on this new journey of immense responsibility,” Misquita added.
Antonette Paul, a catechist from Aldona, said it was sheer joy to hear of the great and wonderful news.
“My hearty congratulations and best wishes to our very own son of Aldona, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao for being elected as the new President of FABC. Indeed, it is a proud moment for all of us especially the archdiocese of Goa and Daman, his family and Aldona as a whole,” said Paul.
“As we praise and thank God, we also pray that the Almighty be his guide and strength on his new journey to faithfully carry forward the mission of Jesus.”
Velma Fernandes, a teacher and RJ from Corjuem-Aldona, said it was an honour not just for Aldona but for the entire Goa.
“As an Aldonkar, I am very happy and proud to hear that Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão will head the Church in Asia! It is an honour not just for us Aldonkars but our Goa too. From Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop and from Archbishop to Cardinal, I am sure it has been a beautiful journey for him. May the Lord continue to guide and bless the Cardinal as he takes up this new responsibility,” she said.
