His Excellency Bishop Simiao Fernandes Gave a Clarion Call to Protect Nature and to work for the common Good, during the Solemn feast Mass of St. Francis Xavier, on 3rd December, at 10.30 am, at Old Goa.
The feast Mass was Concelebrated by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Most Rev. Alex Dias, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, Fr. Patricio Fernandes and many other Priests, Religious, Political leaders and Hundreds of Devotees.
In his Homily Bishop Simiao emphasised the need to protect nature, saying that Nature sustains life and a well protected nature ensures a healthy and better living for all creatures, especially humans. He emphasised that God has given us the role of stewardship to use as well as protect nature. “Destruction of nature in fact results into destruction of our own Life” he reiterated. A well balanced use of natural resources ensures also a better future for all of us.
Fr. Patricio Fernandes thanked everyone including the Archbishop, Auxiliary Bishop, outgoing Vicar General Fr. Jose Remedious, priests, Volunteers, government officials, Media, Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media, Police and many others for helping in the successful organization of the feast.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao appreciated the efforts of Fr. Patricio and his collaborators in successfully organising the event. His Eminence also appreciated the Liturgical Committee under the guidance of Fr. Afonso Mendonca who prepared the New Roman Missal, which was released at the end of the Mass today. A Liturgical Music book prepared by Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music, under Guidance of Fr. Simon D’cunha and his team, was also released, to help the faithful in Liturgical music.
