It is a very proud moment for Goa and Goans that our Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao has been chosen by Pope Francis to be one of the 21 new Cardinals, indeed as a Cardinal elector in the Consistory. Goans across the world have a great occasion to rejoice. This should also be an occasion for us to all deepen our spirituality and to enhance our commitment to social justice, religious harmony and universal brotherhood. There is no doubt that our Spiritual Shepherd will continue his mission of serving humanity by focusing on the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. His passion for the environment will help make our neighbourhood a better place for all to live in. May we pray to God that someday he dons the mantle of Peter in Rome.
Let us wish our Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao all the very best as he prepares for his formal elevation as Cardinal on August 27 at the Vatican when he achieves that distinction of being the first ever Archbishop of Goa and the sixth person of Goan origin to attain this magnanimous rank. Am looking forward to be in Rome on that occasion.
