PANAJI
Exhorting the faithful to take up their cross as a sign of hope in all their sufferings, sickness and pain, Archbishop of Goa Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao also invited the faithful to support each other to lessen the burden of pain and loneliness.
Cardinal Ferrao was speaking at the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross which was celebrated as the Jubilee of Suffering at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem, on September 14 at 10.15 am.
Cardinal Ferrao presided over the Mass, which was concelebrated by Caranzalem Parish Priest Fr Pio Almeida, his assistant priests, and Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate Director Fr Jorge Fernandes.
Among the faithful who joined the celebration were Colin Pereira and Ninfa Da Silva, lay assistant to the DCLA.
Speaking further, the cardinal called on the faithful to make Jesus a source of healing and redemption in restoring and receiving health and life and to be a sign of hope to those in distress and pain in their own family, Somudai, parish and in the society.
On the occasion of the Jubilee of Suffering, Cardinal Ferrao also released the book ‘Unlocking the Secrets of Suffering’ written by Dr Noemia Mascarenhas in the presence of the Parish Priest Fr Almeida and DCLA Director Fr Jorge Fernandes, other priests and lay faithful.
He called people to read this book and allow Jesus to be their healer and a message of hope.
He also prayed a special prayer over the sick people, laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Ninfa D’Silva explained the purpose of the book and thanked all the gathered for the celebration.
DCLA Director Fr Jorge Fernandes also invited the people to work together with care and compassion towards those who suffer.
