Navelim Parish Priest Fr Gabriel Coutinho along with Khanapur Parish Priest Fr Joe Monteiro and other priests while celebrating the Feast Mass in Khanapur.
BELAGAVI
Goans from the Upper Ghats celebrated the annual feast of Our Lady of Milagres at Khanapur-Karnataka on Monday with traditional fervour.
Fr Gabriel Coutinho, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, was the main celebrant at the Feast Mass. He was joined by Fr Joe Monteiro, parish priest, along with several priests from Belagavi and Goa.
In his homily, Fr Coutinho emphasised the importance of faith, unity and communal harmony. He said he felt proud to be among Goans settled in Belagavi and Khanapur who have preserved their spiritual heritage over centuries.
“I feel proud to be among fellow Goans of Belagavi and Khanapur, who, while leaving Goa centuries ago, carried with them the faith inculcated by Goencho Saib,” he said.
He also expressed joy that the feast of Milagris Saibinn is celebrated here on the same day as in Goa, reflecting a deep cultural and religious bond.
Highlighting the broader significance of such feasts, he noted that they play a vital role in fostering communal harmony and bringing together people of different faiths.
“Any celebration should be the epitome of unity,” he said, stressing the need for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
However, Fr Coutinho also voiced concern over controversial remarks made by saffron activist Gautam Khattar against St Francis Xavier during a public programme at Vasco on April 18. He said the comments had led to unrest in Goa and termed them “unfortunate and divisive.”
Calling upon the faithful to remain steadfast in their beliefs, he urged Christians to draw inspiration from Mother Mary.
“She was empowered by the Holy Spirit. While attending healing and retreat sessions, we must have strong faith in Mother Mary and follow Jesus through Mary,” he said.
He further underlined that Christianity is a way of life rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. “Unless we live the way of Jesus, there will be no peace,” he said, adding that individuals must strive to follow God’s plan.
Fr Coutinho concluded by reaffirming that divine guidance ultimately leads to well-being and prosperity, urging people to remain committed to faith, unity and righteous living
