THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Archbishop of Goa Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão on Wednesday stated that sacraments not only help individuals progress in holiness but also enable them to create an environment of holiness wherever they live and work.He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Understanding the Sacraments: To Become Holy’ (Sonvskar Somzun Gheum-ia Povitrponn Apnnaum-ia), written in English and Konkani, by Fr Tony S. Fernandes SFX, at the Bishop’s House in Panaji on September 2.Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop, Fr Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar; and others were present on the occasion.The Cardinal described the sacraments as a treasure entrusted to the Church by Jesus Christ and highlighted them as privileged means through which Christians can grow in holiness.“Sacraments not only help individuals progress in holiness but also enable them to create an environment of holiness wherever they live and work,” said Cardinal Ferrão.He expressed confidence that Fr Tony’s book would be meaningful and thought-provoking for its readers, helping them understand their call to holiness and encouraging them to grow daily along the path of holiness. He also hoped that the book would inspire the faithful to help one another become holy.Speaking at the release, Fr Tony said the book was inspired by his observation that many Catholics do not fully understand the Sacraments they receive and their purpose in Christian life.Recalling that some candidates for Confirmation were unable to explain the Sacrament, he stressed the need to deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Sacraments, the grace they confer and their call to holiness.He expressed the hope that the book would help Catholics encounter the Risen Lord, participate more meaningfully in the Sacraments, and grow in holiness and become more Christ-like. He also hoped it would be useful to catechists and those involved in formation.This book contains a message of Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas SFX, Bishop of Baroda. The book is published by Xavierian Publication Society, Pilar. Fr Aleixo Menezes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Cuncolim, and Censor Deputatus for the book, wrote an introduction highlighting the author and his contribution to Liturgy.
