The new building of the Church of Our Lady of Rosary at Sadolxem-Canacona..
CANACONA
The newly constructed Church building at Sadolxem-Canacona was inaugurated and dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão on May 15.
The Rite of Dedication took place during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Cardinal Ferrão.
Fr Lucio Dias (Episcopal Vicar for South Zone), Fr Patrick Luis (Dean of Canacona Deanery), Fr Dominic Sequeira (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Sadolxem), Fr Anil Kumar (former Parish Priest), Fr Roque Dcosta (former Parish Priest), Fr George Ratos (Parish Priest of Paroda Church), Fr Mariano Silveira (Parish Priest of Tivim Church), Fr Damasciano Carvalho (Parish Priest of Sao Jose De Areal Church) and several other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
The new building has been constituted into a church dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary, and given the status of a ‘Parish Church’ by the Decree of Erection, which was read by Fr Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone.
On June 4, 1920, a Chapel was constructed and ceremonially opened in Sadolxem. Initially affiliated with St Anthony’s Church in Galgibaga, it was later elevated to the status of a church on May 9, 1954.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão along with the Parish Priest Fr. Dominic Sequeira inaugurating the new building of the Church of Our Lady of Rosary at Sadolxem-Canacona.
Delivering a homily on the theme 'Thanking God for the gift of the new church, Let us build a community through the intercession of Mother Mary', Cardinal Ferrão said the church established by Jesus transcends mere physical structures; it embodies a community rooted in faith and compassion among his followers.
Cardinal Ferrão said the architectural beauty of these buildings serves as a tangible symbol of this vibrant faith community.
“Each stone laid in this edifice serves as a reminder that we, the baptized, constitute the followers of Jesus. As living stones, we form an integral part of the church founded by Jesus, embodying the living members of the Body of Christ," said the Prelate.
Emphasising the crucial need to nurture a deeper connection, the Cardinal urged believers to strengthen their bond with Jesus and grow in faith.
The cardinal, who has been recently elected President of Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference (FABC), underscored the significance of prayer, celebration of the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments as means to fortify a communion with Jesus, enabling the Catholic faithful to emulate His love-filled life.
Cynthia Barretto, a parishioner presented the minutes of the dedication of the Church. Albert Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the parishioners.
Parish Priest Fr Dominic Sequeira expressed his sentiments of gratitude. Priests and Nuns from the parish were felicitated. Parishioners also expressed their gratitude to the former Parish Priests and prayed for those who left for heavenly abode.
Fr Myron Barretto, a parishioner and Chaplain of St Larence Chapel, Arossim-Cansaulim was the liturgical commentator while Fr Afonso Mendonça Director of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, along with Fr Freddy Lobo, Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Bhatpal animated the liturgy.
Fr Newton Fernandes, Assistant of the Parish Priest of St Teresa of Jesus Church, Canacona, led the Liturgical singing.
