Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, released Understanding the Sacraments: To Become Holy (Sonvskar Somzun Gheum-ia Povitrponn Apnnaum-ia), a book written in English and Konkani by Fr Tony S. Fernandes SFX, on September 2 at Bishop’s House, Panaji.
Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop, Fr Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar, and others were present on the occasion.
Cardinal Ferrão expressed his happiness at the release of the book. Reflecting on St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, he recalled that God has chosen the faithful to be holy and blameless before him, stressing that the call to holiness is given to every baptized Christian. He described the sacraments as a treasure entrusted to the Church by Christ and as privileged means through which Christians grow in holiness. He expressed confidence that Fr Tony’s book would help the faithful understand their call to holiness, participate more meaningfully in the sacraments and encourage one another in the pursuit of holiness.
Speaking at the release, Fr Tony said the book was inspired by his observation that many Catholics do not fully understand the sacraments they receive and their purpose in Christian life. He stressed the need to deepen the faithful’s understanding of the sacraments, the grace they confer and their call to holiness.
The book contains a message from Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas SFX, Bishop of Baroda. It is published by Xavierian Publication Society, Pilar. Fr Aleixo Menezes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Cuncolim, and Censor Deputatus for the book, wrote the introduction highlighting the author and his contribution to liturgy. The book carries the Imprimatur of Cardinal Ferrão.
Fr Tony proposed the vote of thanks.
