Auxiliary Bishop Simiao calls on pilgrims to cherish, act, respect, and educate for nature in his homily
Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes at the High Mass celebration during the St Francis Xavier feast at Old Goa on Wednesday.
PANAJI
Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes exhorted the faithful to CARE – an acronym for Cherish, Act, Respect, and Educate – as practical steps to shoulder their responsibility towards the ecology. Old Goa witnessed a sea of pilgrims on Wednesday as tens of thousands converged to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier, fondly known as 'Goencho Saib' on the foreground of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the 16th century saint's body is preserved.
The day began in the early hours, with pilgrims streaming into the Basilica compound from midnight to attend the first mass at 3:45 am with the solemnities peaking at the High Mass at 10.30 am which was presided by Auxiliary Bishop, Simiao Fernandes.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias, Fr Patricio Fernandes, Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr Rosario Oliveira, Parish Priest of Se Cathedral and numerous other priests concelebrated.
Delivering his homily on the theme “Hope does not disappoint us; hence, like St Francis Xavier, let us be pilgrims of hope,” Bishop Simião Fernandes exhorted the faithful to protect God’s creation (nature).
He recalled the Church’s journey of hope with prisoners, families, the sick, migrants, the poor, persons with disabilities, and struggling youth, noting St Paul’s reminder that “all creation has been groaning.”
Fernandes warned that hope for the environment is weakening while lamenting that the damage is caused by human greed.
"The earth is a gift to be cherished, not exploited," Fernandes said even as he held up St Xavier as the model of hope and reverence for creation.
Later Cardinal Ferrão released the new Konkani (Roman Script) 'Missal' while Fernandes released other liturgical booklets.
Fr Afonso Mendonca, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy, animated the liturgy, while Fr Henry Falcão, Director of the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, served as the liturgical commentator. The choir was led by Kenneth Lobo.
Throughout the day, multiple masses were celebrated in Konkani, English, and other languages to cater to the diverse gathering and thousands filled the Basilica grounds with hymns, prayers, and the vibrant atmosphere of devotion.
Outside, vendors lined the streets in the area demarcated for the traditional fair where Goan delicacies, religious items and an assortment of daily use wares were sold, adding to the festive spirit.
The feast of St Francis Xavier is not only a religious event but also a cultural landmark for Goa, albeit deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and other ministers and MLAs participated.
