Cardinal asserts importance of service in priestly vocation

PANAJI

Asserting the importance of service in priestly vocation, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has exhorted 12 newly ordained priests to visit their flock and understand their struggles, while continuing Jesus’ mission through compassionate care.

Cardinal Ferrão was delivering his homily at the Eucharistic celebrations while ordaining 12 deacons of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman as priests held at Se Cathedral on April 29 and 30.

The newly ordained priests are Fr Reuel Clyde Fernandes (Assolna), Fr Christ Rayan D’Souza (Velsao), Fr Peter Tyson Gonsalves (Candolim), Fr Dezil Fernandes (Ambaulim), Fr Clifford Fernandes (Ambaulim), Fr Warren Britto Pereira (Betalbatim), Fr Boris Dias (Cuncolim), Fr Venancio Fernandes (Arambol), Fr Anthony Melvin Gomes (Chinchinim), Fr Clive Agnelo Dias (Chinchinim), Fr Joao Gonsalves (Goa-Velha) and Fr Joel Rodrigues (Dramapur).

Emphasising the sacred calling of priests as continuers of Jesus’ ministry, Cardinal Ferrão urged them to embrace the role of the Good Shepherd in service to the faithful.

The Prelate said the Service of Jesus was of service of humility, service of joy, service of caring and of concern of others and an all-embracing service.

He reminded the faithful of the responsibility towards the priests and said they are to pray for them, help them, cooperate with them and understand them.

“God has chosen these priests to continue the ministry of Jesus the Good Shepherd,” Cardinal Ferrão asserted, stressing the importance of service in the their vocation.

He exhorted the newly ordained priests with knowing, loving, and visiting their flock, understanding their struggles, and continuing Jesus’ mission through compassionate care.

Emphasising the priest's duty to provide pastoral care to all members of the community, Cardinal Ferrão urged them to “take care of their flock as a collaborator of a Good Shepherd, to give precious time for them, to visit them, to give Jesus, who are sick and wounded and show concern towards them is the mission entrusted to priests.”

Cardinal Ferrão, who is also President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), said priests have a responsibility to foster unity within the community.

“God does not change the human nature of the priest through the Sacrament of Priestly Ordination,” Cardinal Ferrão reminded, cautioning against expectations of priests. He encouraged humility and unity with Jesus as essential virtues for effective ministry.

Cardinal Ferrão thanked and appreciated the parents, Parish Priests and the Parishioners of their parishes for giving their sons for the service of God and to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

He later handed over appointment letters (Portaria) to the newly ordained priests.

Fr Clive Diniz, Prefect of Discipline at Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao-Pilerne was the liturgical commentator while Fr Afonso Mendonca along with Rachol Seminarians animated the liturgy. Fr Simon D’Cunha, Chaplain at St Joaquim Chapel, Borda, led the liturgical singing with his Vakhann’nni choir.

Fr Dezil Fernandes and Fr Joel Rodrigues expressed their sentiments of gratitude. Fr Simião Fernandes, Director of Pastoral Institute and Bishop-elect, also spoke on the occasion.

The Cardinal also felicitated the diocesan priests who celebrated their Sacerdotal Silver and Golden Jubilees.