PANAJI
The clergy in the Archdiocese of Goa have hailed the appointment of Rev. Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop and described him as a man of simplicity and humility, who is compassionate and pastorally attuned to the needs of the people.
“Personally, I am very happy that Fr Simião Fernandes has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of our Archdiocese. I was his Prefect and Teacher in the Seminary of Our Lady High School, Saligão-Pilerne, more than 40 years ago,” said Fr Loiola Pereira, secretary to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.
“If I remember well, he was the best student in his class, but more than that, he remained simple, humble, prayerful and ever ready to help others.”
“I attribute these qualities to the devout mother who brought him up. Unlike other mothers, who always wanted to know how their sons fared in class, this lady always asked me: “Does he behave well? Is he regular in his prayer? Does he obey his superiors?” Remarkable! All good wishes to the Bishop-Elect!”
Episcopal Vicar (South) and Verna Parish Priest Fr Lucio Dias described Fr Simião as a “multi-faceted personality.”
“Known for his organisation, meticulous planning and intelligence he was appointed as the Convenor of the Coordinating Committee Synod 2023 for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman,” said Fr Dias.
“The People of Goa carry in their hearts the desire, sustained by hope, that the climate of mutual listening and sincere dialogue will radiate in the Church of Goa, so that the good seed of the Kingdom of God may be brought to the People of God. As we thank the Lord for the gift of the Bishop-Elect we pray that he may lead the Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Fr Aleixo Menezes, Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim, said Fr Simon, as he is lovingly called, is a man of simplicity and humility with the great quality of listening and understanding.
“As a priest, he has a pastoral heart of the shepherd and I am confident that he will be a Pastor like Jesus, the Good Shepherd and a Synodal Bishop,” said Fr Menezes.
“He was my student in Seminary and was a collaborator when I was Rector of the Rachol Seminary but above all, a sincere friend. I wish His Excellency God's grace and blessings to exercise the Episcopal Ministry and assure him of my prayers and collaboration.”
Rejoicing with Fr Simião Fernandes over his appointment as auxiliary bishop, Fr Walter de Sa, parish priest of Panaji, said his simplicity, caring approach and joy-filled priest will augur him well in shepherding the Church in Goa in these difficult times.
“I assure him of my prayers. May he become a shepherd onto the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd,” said Fr de Sa.
Added Borim Parish Priest Fr Victor Ferrao: “I am happy that God gave us the gift of the auxiliary Bishop. We studied together in both minor and major Seminary together. Also, I was fortunate to work with him in the major Seminary. He is compassionate, generous and pastorally attuned to the needs of the people. Goa is indeed blessed to have him as an auxiliary Bishop.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira said the bishop-elect is “man with a heart of gold.” “His simplicity of heart is striking, he is approachable, and has a great pastoral concern towards those under his care. As a part of team for ongoing formation of priests he has introduced many new and innovative sessions,” said Fr Pereira.
Shiroda Parish Priest Fr Leslie Rego said the bishop-elect was his professor and mentor at Rachol Seminary.
“As a Biblical Scholar and devoted priest, I am sure he will carry out His new Mission as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Spirit of Christ and His Church.”
Pilar Priest Fr Elvis Fernandes said Fr Simião comes across as a gentle and humble priest.
“He is also a scholar and teacher of the Bible and has immense dynamism in his approach to pastoral life as a priest. God bless Fr Simiao with wisdom and strength as he takes up the new responsibility of shepherding the People of God.”
