Presides over solemn dedication of new Cathedral of Our Lady of Milagris in Sindhudurg Diocese
PANAJI
Calling the faithful to a deeper and more authentic witness of Christian life, Archbishop of Goa Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão urged the Church to become “the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and a transforming leaven in society.” He was delivering his homily during the solemn dedication of the new Cathedral of Our Lady of Milagris in the Diocese of Sindhudurg on Saturday.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias. Among others who concelebrated the Eucharist were Bishop of Sindhudurg Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg Alwyn Barretto, Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes, Archbishop of Bombay John Rodrigues, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa Simiao Fernandes, other bishops, Rector of the Cathedral Fr Millet D’Souza, and several priests.
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Ferrão — President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India — underscored that the true significance of the new cathedral lies not in its structure, but in the renewed commitment of the faithful to live as missionary disciples in the world.
Cardinal Ferrão centred his homily on the identity and mission of the Church, reminding the congregation that faith is not confined to structures but is lived through people. “Through Baptism, we become living stones,” he said, emphasising that every Christian is an integral part of the Mystical Body of Christ, called to build a vibrant and witnessing community.
The Cardinal stressed that authentic Christian life must be nourished by prayer, reflection on the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The newly dedicated cathedral, he noted, should serve not merely as a place of worship but as a spiritual home where faith is continually deepened and renewed.
Highlighting the missionary dimension of Christian life, Cardinal Ferrão described the Church as a community rooted in faith, expressed through love, service, truth, and forgiveness. He called on the faithful to bear witness to the Gospel in everyday life, particularly through acts of compassion and reconciliation. “We become a community of witness by serving one another, by upholding truth, and through forgiveness,” he said, urging believers to embody these values in their families and society.
Drawing inspiration from Our Lady of Milagris, Patroness of the Cathedral, and Mother Teresa, the Cardinal pointed to their lives as enduring examples of humility, service, and unwavering faith.
A commemorative souvenir marking the occasion was released, and individuals who contributed to the construction of the cathedral were felicitated. The dedication ceremony, attended by a large congregation of lay faithful, marked a significant moment for the Diocese of Sindhudurg.
