His Eminence Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao Inaugurates the Pastoral year 2023-2024
The Pastoral year of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was inaugurated and the pastoral letter 2023-24, of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was released on 31st May, at Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa, during the Moment of Marian Prayer, at the hands of Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao. The Moment of Marian prayer was a special day organized by the Roman Catholic Church all over the world to pray for the Synod of Bishop\’s which will take place in October this year. Since this month is dedicated to Mary, the Pope invited the Church to pray through the intercession of Mary for the success of the Synod, Bishop requested the faithful to surrender to Mary the whole Synod so that she may guide us according to the Plans of Her Son.
The theme of the Pastoral Year 2023-2024 is: \”You also should do as I have done to you\” (Jn. 13,15).
The Logo on the Pastoral letter illustrates this theme. It begins with the washing of the feet (the leg, the hand of Jesus, the water tub and the white towel on the right side of the logo). Jesus washes the feet of the twelve and then goes to the Cross to sacrifice Himself for the salvation of the world (the cruciform tree, water and blood flowing from the Cross, on the left side of the logo), the celebration and memorial of which is done in the Eucharist (the broken host on the logo). The disciples accept the servant leadership of Jesus and move out into the world to do like their Master (the 6 human figures moving outwards as seen on the logo). Strengthened by the Eucharist and the Cross they move out to be witnesses of love and service to all humankind (the heart as seen on the logo) and the entire creation (the tree as seen on the logo). This is what the Archbishop invites the Faithful to do.
In his homily Fr. Randal ( SFX) stated that just as Mother Mary opened her heart to the Lord and Humanity we too need to open our hearts to the needs of people and reach out to others. He further said that We need to open our minds to new ways, good suggestions and live a selfless life avoiding unnecessary selfish conflicts, rather living selflessly and fulfilling the mission of Christ.
Before the final blessing Fr. Leo invited the Archbishop to release the new Pastoral Letter. The Pastoral letter was released by His eminence along with some lay faithful and inaugurated the new pastoral year.
His Eminence in his message thanked the organisers especially convenor of Synod committee Fr. Simiao Fernandes and his collaborators. He invited the faithful to reflect on the Pastoral letter and try to do as Jesus has done. He also thanked all those who prepared the letter, Fr. Henry Falcao and his collaborators, Fr. Leonardo Pegado (Director of Pastoral Secretariat), Fr. Leo Fernandes( Executive Secretary of Pastoral Secretariat) and Fr. Myron Barretto( New age Printers). He also reminded the people to start preparing spiritually for the exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier.
Fr. Leo informed that the Pastoral letter will be available at Pastoral Secretariat office in Institute piedade, Panjim, St. Pauls Panjim and Mapusa and Light House Margao.