The Parish of St. Catherine of Alexandria (Sé Cathedral), Old Goa, witnessed a grace-filled occasion with the inauguration of its World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Parish Chapter Division under the Archdiocesan Unit of Goa and Daman.
The inaugural ceremony was held on 5th July 2026, beginning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 4.00 p.m., presided over by the Spiritual Advisor of the World Apostolate of Fatima, Goa Unit, Rev. Fr. Pio Almeida and concelebrated by our Parish Priest Rev. (Fr.) Canon Rosario Oliveira. The Chairman of the WAF Goa Unit, Mr. Lester Melo, and representatives from the Ponda WAF Chapter and member of Divar parish unit were also present.
The WAF Parish Unit at St. Catherine of Alexandria began the journey three years ago when the Chairman of the Goa Unit approached the Parish Priest with the proposal to establish the Apostolate in the parish. With the encouragement and guidance of the Parish Priest, the unit steadily grew from just five members to more than thirty committed members today who are now called as apostolic members. This remarkable growth has culminated in the erection of the Parish Chapter Division under the leadership of the Parish Unit Leader, Ms. Ayres D’Souza Raimondo, appointed by the Parish Priest.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Pio Almeida encouraged the members and the faithful to faithfully live the Message of Fatima through prayer, penance, acts of reparation, Eucharistic devotion, daily recitation of the Rosary, and the wearing of the Brown Scapular. He emphasized the importance of devotion to Our Lady through the Five First Saturdays Devotion, confession and the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.He reminded the faithful that Mary always leads her children to Jesus, saying that, because Our Lady is closest to her Son, we too can draw nearer to Christ through His Blessed Mother, who is also our Mother. Rev. Fr. Almeida further explained the mission and principal priorities entrusted by Our Lady during her apparitions at Fatima:
- To foster a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Trinity, leading to conversion and amendment of life.
- To promote prayer, penance, and reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.
- To deepen genuine devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
- To encourage devotion to the Holy Rosary and Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- To pray and work for the salvation of souls and peace in the world.
Speaking about the ecclesial identity of the Apostolate, he explained that the World Apostolate of Fatima is not merely a private devotional association. The Holy See has officially recognized it as a Public International Association of the Faithful with juridical personality, and its Statutes have received definitive approval. He also highlighted that the Archdiocesan Statutes of Goa and Daman, erected by decree on 7th October 2005, continue this ecclesial mission by emphasizing prayer, penance, and sacrifice. Members of the Apostolate therefore serve publicly within the Church in fidelity to the Holy Father, obedience to the Archbishop and their Parish Priest, while remaining firmly rooted in the approved Statutes.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the Chairman of the WAF Goa Unit formally read the decree erecting the Parish Chapter Division. The decree was then signed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Canon Rosario Oliveira, and officially handed over to the Parish Unit Leader.
Each member of the newly erected Chapter was thereafter invested with the Blue Cape, Rosary, and Brown Scapular as visible signs of their commitment to the Apostolate. The members then solemnly consecrated themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the official Consecration Prayer, expressing their profound joy and renewed commitment to faithfully serve Our Lady and spread her message.
The newly erected Chapter expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Canon Rosario Oliveira, Parish Priest, for his unwavering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and pastoral support that nurtured the growth of the Apostolate within the parish. Sincere appreciation was also extended to Mr. Lester Melo, Chairman of the WAF Goa Unit, for his dedicated guidance and accompaniment throughout the journey leading to the establishment of the Parish Chapter Division. Deep gratitude was likewise expressed to Rev. Fr. Pio Almeida, Spiritual Director of the WAF Goa Unit, for his inspiring spiritual leadership and encouragement.
This memorable occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual life of the Parish of St. Catherine of Alexandria, as the newly inaugurated Chapter Division commits itself to proclaiming and living the Message of Fatima through prayer, penance, reparation, and loving service to the Church.
“May Our Blessed Mother continue to walk with us, leading us always to her Son, Jesus Christ, so that, through faithful discipleship, we may one day share eternal life with Him.”
– Ms. Ayres Rosary D’Souza Raimondo
Caritas Christi – Secular Institute
Parish Leader of Chapter Division of
St. Catherine of Alexandria – Old Goa