A total of 81 eligible participants of the Bible Course received their Diploma Certificates from the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes, during a special Diploma Day celebration held at St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The Bible Course was conducted at Duler Parish from July 2024 to February 2025, with participants drawn from the parishes of Duler, Mapusa, Cunchelim and Tivim.
The celebration began with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration, which was concelebrated by Fr. Caitan D’Souza, Parish Priest of Duler; Fr. Onasis D’Cruz, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA); Fr. Mariano D’Costa, Assistant Director of St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Cruz Dos Milagres; Fr. Tomas Lobo, Parish Priest of Mapusa; and Fr. Francis Fernandes, Parish Priest of Tivim.
The Eucharistic celebration commenced with the enthronement of the Bible. The theme of the celebration was “Abide in My Words” (Jn 15:7). In his homily, Bishop Simião exhorted the faithful to remain deeply rooted in the Word of God and to translate its teachings into their daily lives. He emphasised that studying Scripture should not remain merely an academic exercise but should lead to a transformed life and fruitful Christian witness. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Diploma Certificates were distributed to the participants. Mrs Sandra Perpetua D’Mello shared a touching testimony of her experience during the Bible Course. Fr. Onasis D’Cruz, Fr. Mariano D’Costa and Fr. Caitan D’Souza expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to the organisation and successful conduct of the Bible Course. They also congratulated the Diploma recipients for their dedication and commitment to the study of Sacred Scripture.
In his concluding message, Bishop Simião expressed his appreciation to the DCBA for conducting the Bible Course and to the Parish of Duler for organising and hosting it. He congratulated the participants for their dedication and perseverance in studying the Word of God. He encouraged them to continue to read, reflect upon and study the Scriptures, and above all, to live the Word and bear abundant fruits in their lives. The celebration concluded with a brief fellowship programme in the Church Hall, providing an opportunity for the participants to share their joy and gratitude.
Reported by Mr. Brian D’Souza, Duler