PANAJI: Archbishop Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of the State (Vatican) has said that Pope Francis sent his blessings to Goa as well the entire country, as the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier is currently underway in the State.
A delegation from the Vatican, led by Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See, attended the decennial Exposition at Old Goa. Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai also hosted a reception for the delegation at Raj Bhavan.
Speaking to reporters today, Archbishop Parra hailed the joint efforts of the Goa government and the Church to handle the large influx of pilgrims at the event. “It is an exemplary model of cooperation,” he said.
He also conveyed a message from Pope Francis stating, “His Holiness sends his blessings and greetings to the people of India and Goa. Pope Francis holds India and Asia close to his heart, recognizing the region as key to the future of the Church and the world.”
Governor Pillai hailed the Vatican delegation’s visit as historic stating it offers Goans unique opportunity to celebrate this moment.
The delegation included notable figures such as Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, Bishop Flaviano Rami Al-Kabalan, and Dr. Melania Iermieri. Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who also attended, emphasized the importance of cooperation between civil authorities and religious institutions. “In this moment of global challenges, dialogue and communication between governments and faiths are essential for peace and progress,” he remarked.
Cardinal Philip Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, expressed gratitude for the Vatican's involvement, saying, “The visit of the Holy See delegation to Goa is a matter of great joy for all of us. Their presence during the solemn exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics highlights the significance of Goa as a centre of faith and communal harmony.”
The visit coincided with the recent episcopal ordination of Cardinal-designate George Jacob Koovakad, an Indian priest who will be elevated to the cardinalate in Rome on December 7.
