VASCO
Legislators and priests hailed Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao on his arrival at Dabolim airport, stating that his elevation as cardinal of the Catholic Church had made the entire Goa proud.
Nuvem Congress MLA Alex Sequeira said August 27 was a very auspicious day for the Church in Goa.
"This is for the first time in history of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman that a Goan living in Goa and from Goa archdiocese has been appointed as Cardinal and it is a great honour for us. I believe that one should welcome the son of the soil who has attained such a high position and this is why I am here at the airport," said Sequeira.
Cortalim MLA Anton Vas said Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao had made the entire State proud after being elevated from Archbishop to Cardinal.
"While we congratulate him on the behalf of our people, I pray that he blesses the entire State with his good work. I thank Pope Francis who had noticed the great work done by our Archbishop Ferrão and made him a Cardinal," said Vas.
Fr Diogo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Verna Church, said he had been to Rome to participate in the Consistory where Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão was officially made cardinal by Pope Francis.
"I am here to welcome to Goa because it is a great joy and honour to us as one of the Indian Cardinals is from Goa. I am here to welcome Cardinal Ferrão to Goa as he was my colleague and we studied together," said Fr Diogo.
Sancoale Parishioner Edward Fernandes said the work of Cardinal Ferrão is known all over Goan and beyond.
“It was only due to his selfless endeavour that Pope Francis has made him a cardinal. We are lucky to have a Goan cardinal and we are sure that he will do a better job as cardinal and increase the levels of devotion and faith in the people of Goa," said Fernandes.
