The elevation of Archbishop Filipe Neri of Goa to the position of Cardinal and Prince of the church, is a big honour, to both the Archbishop as well as to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. However, for the church in India it hardly makes much of a difference, given the number of Cardinals in other states. Filipe Neri will however continue shepherding the church in Goa and Daman as before --- a position he has been holding since 2003-2004. It is strange however, that Filipe Neri has had no Auxiliary bishop to assist him in his duties, unlike the Archdiocese of Bombay which has an Archbishop (Cardinal Oswald Gracias) with around 6 -7 Auxiliary bishops in various capacities in parishes of the Archdiocese. Earlier, it made do with only one or two., with a number of monsignors in line, awaiting their turn. It is difficult to understand what has suddenly brought about the change in church governance with the number of Cardinals also on the rise. Probably the time is ripe when we will soon witness the change in Goa as well, with the appointment of Auxiliary bishops to assist Archbishop Filipe Neri with the additional burden and responsibilities now thrust upon him.
