VASCO
The parish of Chicalim celebrated the concluding ceremony of the 400th anniversary of the Christian faith in the region on October 16.
The solemn event was led by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and attended by current and former parish priests. Around 600 parishioners, clergy, religious brothers and nuns from across the Mormugao deanery took part. Among those present were former parish priests Fr Eufemiano Miranda, Fr Leonardo de Souza and Fr Leonard Correia, along with South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes and members of the Chicalim Panchayat.
The Cardinal was welcomed by Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira and the newly elected Fabrica members. Parish youth carrying Jubilee Crosses led him into the church, while children performed a welcome dance. The ceremony was coordinated by Master of Ceremonies Francisco Nunes.
In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao reminded the faithful that faith is a gift from Jesus which must be nurtured and strengthened. He recalled the missionary zeal of St Francis Xavier, saying he was “on fire with the love of Jesus” and preached among the fisherfolk, spreading His message.
The Cardinal urged parishioners to be instruments of peace and fellowship”starting within families, then extending to communities and workplaces. He stressed that the family is “the basic community” where faith is first lived and shared, before reaching out to others through somudai (small Christian communities).
He also reminded the faithful that their 400-year legacy is a treasure of unity and faith to be preserved through love, prayer and service.
After the Mass, young parishioner Marquez Menezes spoke about the celebration’s meaning. A coffee table book on 400 years of faith in Chicalim was released, along with a special song composed by SFX Music Academy.
The celebration ended with dinner and cake, marking the close of a year-long journey of gratitude and unity.
Chicalim Parish gets relic from Basilica
VASCO: Basilica of Bom Jesus Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes ceremonially handed over a relic from the Basilica to the Chicalim Parish during the concluding ceremony of the 400th anniversary of the Chicalim Parish. The relic, which was received by Fr Bolmax Pereira, contains a piece of wood from the coffin of St Francis Xavier. This relic is now a spiritual treasure for the Chicalim Parish.
