the goan I network
OLD GOA
Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio on Tuesday called upon priests in the country to live in the midst of their people and love them, care for them with the mercy and tenderness of Jesus.
He was delivering a homily at the Eucharistic Celebration at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, to mark the inauguration of the XIV National Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI).
Among those concelebrating the Mass included Bishop of Warangal and Patron of CDPI Udumala Bala, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrão, CDPI Executive Secretary Fr I Raymond Joseph, CDPI President Fr Philemon Doss, CDPI Vice-President Fr John Crasta and a large number of participating priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Pennacchio expressed gladness that the theme for the national conference was based on the life and teachings of Pope Francis, “who is known for his simplicity, love for the poor and efforts towards peace and reconciliation.”
Centring his homily on the theme Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Apostolic Nuncio said: “In modern times a good shepherd is the one who renders justice to others and cares for others, as Jesus did.”
Archbishop Pennacchio stated that the joy of the Gospel is the foundation of every priest and encouraged priests to be joyful in their life and ministry.
“Priests must be radiating joy and the success of every priest depends on priestly spirituality. The spirituality of a priest is his close relationship with God. Every priest must be touched by the love and mercy of God, who has called him.”
Concluding his homily, Archbishop Pennacchio exhorted priests “to be mercifullike the Heavenly Father.”
As many as 275 priests and 13 bishops from 131 dioceses from all over India will participate at the national conference from April 5 to 8.
