Archdiocesan Chrism mass Celebrated at Old Goa.
The annual Chrism Mass of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was celebrated by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, Bishop Alex Dias and priests representatives from all over the Archdiocese, at Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa at 10am on 7th April, 2022. The main objective of the Chrism Mass is to express more clearly the presbyterial communion of the priests with their Bishop.
During this mass the Bishop also blessed the Oil of the Catechumens (Oleum Catechumenorum) and the Oil of the Sick (Oleum Infirmorum), and consecrated the Holy Chrism Oil (Sacrum Chrisma).
In the course of the celebration the Bishop reminds the priests to be faithful to their priesthood, and invites them to renew their priestly promises publicly.
The Bishop also appeals to the people to pray not only for their priests but also for himself in the faithful discharge of the apostolic office entrusted to him, as a Good Shepherd, a Teacher and a Servant of all.
The Holy oils, which are very important in the life of Catholics are also blessed in this mass. The Chrism mass is important because in this mass the Bishop expresses his bond with the Priests and all the faithful. The priests in their turn resolve to work under the fatherly care and guidance of their Bishop, who in turn asks for prayers from priests and faithful to help him reflect the life of Christ. This unique celebration unites the Bishop, all the Priests working in the Archdiocese and the faithful they cater to.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, in his homily highlighted two experiences we came across recently . First was Covid-19 experience wherein we saw how fragile life is hence we felt the need for company and support of each other and God. The second experience for catholics was \”the Synodal experience wherein the Pope calls us to a journey involving communion, participation and mission. We as disciples of Christ are called to live in communion with each other, participate in the work of Christ and fulfill his mission in spreading the Kingdom of God.\”
He reminded the participants that God is always with us and his creation.
He also reminded the priests to keep Christ as their model and by doing so the priests are called to live in communion with God, to be available and reach out to the people, especially the marginalised and the outcast of the society, to be ready to listen to people, to respond positively to the cries, sufferings and agonies of the people and to motivate more and more people to get involved in the life and ministry of the church.
The Chrism mass ended with the releasing of Pastoral Diary for the coming Year at the hands of Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao and Bishop Alex Dias, Emeritus Bishop of Port Blair Diocese. The Pastoral Diary which has the Schedule for Major events in the Archdiocese has been prepared under the direction of Pastoral Secretariat of the Archdiocese and was presented to the Archbishop by Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Pastoral Secretariat..