PANAJI
The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol conducted a Theological and Pastoral Formation course for 142 lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, which concluded with a Diploma Day on January 18.
The 14-session theological and pastoral formation course for the lay faithful explored the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Diploma Day began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Delivering a homily on the theme, “Called, Consecrated, and Sent to be Witnesses of Jesus,” Cardinal Ferrão reminded the participants of the universal call to holiness. He stated that the Diploma Day of the 14-session formation course brought participants together “as one family” under this theme.
Reflecting on Sacred Scripture, the Cardinal emphasised that God’s call is always a sign of divine predilection and is oriented towards service.
God, he noted, does not choose the powerful, but “calls the weak and strengthens them through grace.” This call is first received in Baptism, where every Christian is anointed, consecrated, and sent to be light and witnesses of Christ in the world.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the programme, where Simitra Rodrigues from Assolna and Jason Gonsalo de Araujo from St Cruz shared their personal experiences of the course. They were convinced that the course not only enlightened their minds but also strengthened their life of faith.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, addressing the participants of the Theological and Pastoral Formation Course after the Holy Mass, congratulated them for their commitment and sacrifices.
He acknowledged the support of their families and friends, saying, “You have made many sacrifices by coming for thirteen Sundays. I appreciate you and I congratulate you and your families for taking part in this beautiful journey of deepening your faith.” He also thanked the Rachol Seminary staff and students for organising the course.
Emphasising ongoing formation, he concluded: “The gifts received in baptism cannot remain hidden or unused, but must be put to use for the good of all,” encouraging participants to share their faith so that many may discover “the joy of being disciples of Jesus.”
On the occasion, Cardinal Ferrão released LUCEAS, the annual Magazine-cum-Journal of the Seminary.
Rector of the Seminary Fr Donato Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, while Fr Ashley Alphonso, Spiritual Director of the Seminary and Coordinator of the Theological and Pastoral Formation Course, expressed gratitude to all. The seminarians presented a choral piece, while Seminarian Aziel Alvares anchored the programme.
