PANAJI
Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes was ordained as Bishop by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, during the Eucharistic celebration at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa on Monday.
Pope Francis had appointed Fr Simião Fernandes as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on April 6.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão was the Principal Consecrator (ordaining) Bishop over the Eucharistic celebration and the Rite of Episcopal Ordination of a Bishop, while Bishop of Daltonganj Theodore Mascarenhas Sfx, and Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias sfx, were the co-consecrators.
Fr Elvis Fernandes sfx introduced the Bishop-elect before the Mass.
Cardinal Ferrão in his introductory words expressed joy over the Episcopal Ordination of Fr Simião and said God has chosen him to continue the ministry of Jesus among his people.
“His motto 'Not to be served, but to Serve' reveals the same,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
Cardinal Ferrao invited the people to pray for the Bishop elect that as he takes this major responsibility he may offer himself wholeheartedly to the service of the Lord and his people.
Delivering his homily on the theme of the motto of the new bishop, Bishop of Baroda Sebastiao Mascarenhas Sfx, highlighted that humans yearn for worldly values.
“But Fr Simiao reminds us of the selfless service of the Church to the poorest of the poor,” said Bishop Sebastiao Mascarenhas.
Bringing to the notice of the people how priests and religious go to the corners of India serving selflessly for the nation, he also reminded that leaders have to be role models, they should have the concerns of the people in their heart and that they should do their work with enthusiasm and Joy.
The rite of Episcopal Ordination began after the proclamation of the Gospel. It consisted of the Presentation of the Bishop-elect, Examination of the candidate, Litany of the Saints, imposition of hands, Prayer of Ordination, Anointing of the Bishop’s head, Presentation of the Book of the Gospel, Investiture with the ring, Mitre, and Pastoral Staff, Seating of the Bishop, and Kiss of Peace.
Bishop Simião Fernandes expressed his sentiments of gratitude and asked the faithful to continue praying for him.
In his speech, Bishop Simião reminded the people that we are a synodal church, that we are all disciples.
Twelve other bishops and an estimated 350 priests also participated in the Episcopal ordination ceremony.
Around 6,000 people from all over the State were present at the ceremony, which was described as an “ecclesial event” of a special significance to the Church in the Archdiocese.
