PANAJI
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão on Wednesday exhorted the faithful to become instruments of holiness in their families, neighbourhoods, and wherever they may be.
He was delivering a homily at the solemn Eucharistic celebration to mark the centenary of the canonisation of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, on her feast day on October 1.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Fr Praveen D’Souza OCD, Superior of Emmaus Wellness Centre, Mapusa, Fr Rovel D’Souza OCD, Superior of Divine Springs Retreat Centre, Xellim and several priests.
Delivering on the theme ‘St Thérèse of the Child Jesus: The Little Way of Hope for the Pilgrim Church’, Cardinal Ferrão invited the faithful to embrace the “Little Way” of St Thérèse and to become a source of hope for others.
Cardinal Ferrão, who is also President of Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), reminded the faithful of its three dimensions: she loved God with boundless love and unswerving trust; her way was marked by humility; and the third dimension was caring and compassionate love. “She responded with merciful love to those who were harsh to her and set an example to us,” said the Prelate.
“We are all called to holiness, and for this St Thérèse is a model for us.” Said the Cardinal.
Reflecting on the Bull of Indiction ‘Spes non confundit’ of Pope Francis for this Jubilee Year, Cardinal Ferrão invited the faithful to live as pilgrims of hope, highlighting St Thérèse of the Child Jesus as an inspiring example. As part of the celebration, prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions organised by the Secular Carmelites and the Carmelite Family in Goa.
Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the centenary celebration. Liturgy was animated by the Carmelite Family and the Secular Carmelites. Liturgical singing was led by the Carmelite Choir.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a short cultural programme, which began with a prayer dance and featured presentations by the winners of the competitions. Sr Veera D’Sa CCR proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme while Fr Don Tony D’Souza OCD compered the event.
