Jubilee of Ecumenism (Christian Unity) was celebrated on 24th January 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Holy Family Church, Alto Porvorim, under the leadership of our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Caetano Fernandes, who also serves as the incharge of the Ecumenical Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.This special celebration was part of the Christian Unity Octave, an inspiring program of praise and worship, dedicated to fostering harmony among Christian communities.
The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar of the North Zone, and was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Rev. Fr. Peter Gama, Dean of the Mapusa Deanery, Pastor Sanga of the Mizo-Goa Group, Pastor James of the Naga-Goa group, Pastor Altinho Gomes – Vice President of Goa Christian foundation, Sr. Rose Piete, other priests and religious. Congregations from sister churches and the parishioners of Holy Family Church came together in a spirit of unity.
The evening commenced with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit to guide the gathering. The *Holy Bible* was brought in by Rev. Fr. Boris Dias in a solemn procession and was enthroned at a beautifully adorned lectern. A reading from the Gospel of John (11:17-27) set the tone for the evening’s reflection of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Fr. Caetano welcomed the gathering with heartfelt words, emphasizing the vision of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, whose motto, “May they all be one” (John 17:21), serves as a reminder of the essential call for Christian unity. He encouraged all present to focus on the shared pillars of the Christian faith— *belief in Jesus Christ, the Trinity, our Baptism, and the Word of God* —while setting aside differences.
He reminded the assembly that disunity among Christians weakens the Church’s witness to the world, calling for a united front in spreading the message of Christ’s love.
In a gesture of gratitude and unity, potted plants were presented to the dignitaries, symbolizing growth in faith and community.
The Word of God from the Book of Deuteronomy (6:4-9), was read by Fr. Peter Gama, with a reflective response in Psalm 131. from Sr. Rose Piete.
The choirs, including the Charismatic Prayer Group, the Mizo-Goa Group, the Naga-Goa Group, and the Cherubs of Holy Family, filled the church with melodious songs of praise, uplifting the hearts of all present.
Rev. Fr. Tomas Lobo, in his address, shared a profound analogy that resonated deeply with all in attendance. He likened our relationship with God to the central hub of a bicycle wheel, with our connection to one another represented by the spokes. As we draw nearer to God, the central hub, we inevitably draw closer to each other, no matter how far we may be on the outer circumference of life, reminding everyone of the interconnectedness of faith and unity in Christ.
The evening culminated with a reading by Pastor Sanga from the Gospel of John (20:24-29), lighting of candles and the profession of our faith. The leaders of the Church lit their candles from the Paschal Candle, – *’The light of Christ,’* and shared the light with the congregation, symbolizing unity and the call to be bearers of God’s light, love, and compassion in the world.
As the Cherubs led the congregation in singing “Go Light Your World,” the church glowed with the warmth of the lighted candles, a powerful visual representation of the unity of Christ’s followers.
The Jubilee of Ecumenism (Christian Unity) was a memorable celebration of Christians, united in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Ms Iona Sequeira
Alto Porvorim
