Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (seated third from left) and other Church leaders during the three-day Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences central committee meeting in Bangkok.
PANAJI
There was jubilation across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman following the election of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão as president of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC), which represents the Catholic Church in Asia.
“It is with great joy that the Church in Goa has received the news that our beloved Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has been elected the President of FABC,” stated Fr Barry Cardozo, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM).
“As the Church in Goa and Daman congratulates Cardinal Ferrão on this wonderful occasion, we pray that the Almighty may help him to fulfil his new and challenging responsibility in fostering solidarity and co-responsibility among Bishops for the welfare of the Church and society in Asia, which is the purpose of the FABC.”
Panaji Parish Priest Fr Walter de Sa described Cardinal Ferrão’s election as president of FABC as a “deserving feather on his cap.”
“Given his contribution to the Church in India, he has drawn the attention of the Church in Asia where he will make a greater mark. I congratulate him and rejoice with him and pray God to bestow on him the Holy Spirit to steer the ship like a pastor bonus,” said Fr de Sa.
“On the occasion of the feast (February 22) of the Chair of St Peter, the Apostle, the election of the Cardinal Ferrão as President of FABC augurs well for the future of the Synodal Church in Asia. His episcopal motto will further impel him to bring unity among all, as desired by Jesus Christ.”
Borim Parish Priest Fr Victor Ferrão said it is a moment of great celebration for the Church in Goa.
“God has put back the clock right. Goa which was regarded as the Rome of the East, has once again regained its past glory. Let us thank God and pray for His blessings on the new president of FABC, our very own Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão,” said Fr Ferrão.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira said, “it is a moment of joy to note how well accepted our bishop is among the episcopal fraternity of Asia.”
“Cardinal Ferrão is surely going to be a great connector to lead the Church in Asia. He surely needs our sincere prayers to strengthen him in his progressive leadership in these trying times. Let's pray unceasingly.”
The FABC comprises Episcopal Conferences in South, Southeast, East and Central Asia. The Federation, which was founded in 1970, is a Vatican-approved association of Episcopal Conferences in Asia.
