The 2nd Annual Pastoral Enrichment Programme (PEP) for North Zone PPC members was held on 22nd June 2025 at Livramento Hall, Tivim, with around 550 participants from six deaneries. Organised by the DPS and DPC, the event marked a renewed commitment to the Church’s pastoral mission in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Participants were welcomed and registered, followed by a greeting from Fr. Francisco Xavier Fernandes, Parish Priest of Tivim Parish. The Holy Eucharist celebrated on the occasion Feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes, began at 9:10 a.m., and concelebrated by Fr. Francisco and Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat. The liturgy was spiritually enriching, with music by Tivim parishioners and lectors from various deaneries. Fr. Leo Fernandes heartfelt thanks to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Bishop Simião, Fr. Francisco Xavier Fernandes, Ms Rhea Mendes and Parish Pastoral Council members of Tivim, Fr Seby Dias, and Religious for their support. Following refreshments, the training began with a welcome song by Ms Craby Fernandes, DPC Secretary and compere.
1. Pastoral Letter: “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5)
In the first session Bishop Simião unpacked the Pastoral Letter of the archbishop for the year 2025-26, built around the themes of continuing the Synodal journey (begun in 2021), celebrating the ongoing Jubilee Year with deeper zeal and living out the call to hope, as highlighted in the Bull of Indiction. Explaining the three parts of the pastoral letter, he invited all to implement its practical recommendations at Parish and Deanery levels, focusing especially on outreach to prisoners, the disabled, the sick and elderly, the poor, youth, migrants, families and creation. His talk concluded with humour and grace, leaving the gathering uplifted.
2. Mission 2033: Journeying Towards a Synodal Church
Fr. Leo introduced the CCBI Pastoral Plan: Mission 2033, launched on 11th September 2024, after a year-long process involving over 5,000 members through conversation in spirit method. The plan answers the vital question: “Where is God calling the Church/CCBI Commissions to be by 2033?”. Emphasising synodality, collaborative leadership, and prioritising the poor, he urged PPCs and deaneries to foster discernment and shared responsibility. His talk encouraged a forward-looking, inclusive Church rooted in mission.
3. Basic Ecclesial Communities: Beacons of Synodal Church
Mr Deron Rodrigues highlighted the vital role of BECs in building a participatory Church by strengthening community ties, encouraging co-responsibility, and fostering active lay involvement. His talk focused on key conversions essential for realising a Synodal Church: from hierarchy to communion, digital isolation to personal relationships, clericalism to shared responsibility, and passive membership to active missionary discipleship. He also emphasized the inclusion of children and youth, the empowerment of men and women, and care for the Earth. He urged PPCs to form six teams with clearly delegated roles to ensure wider and effective engagement.
A lively action song by the youth brought joy and unity to the gathering, energising the entire hall. The programme concluded at 1:45 p.m. with appreciation for the resource persons, felicitation to the priests present and a special honour for Bishop Simião by Fr. Francisco Xavier Fernandes. In his message, the Bishop thanked the lay faithful and assured them of his support. The event ended with a blessing, grace, group photos, and lunch. Well-organised by the DPS, DPC ExCo, and hosted by Tivim PPC, it was a spiritually enriching gathering that strengthened synodality and lay mission.
Reported by:
Ms Aruna Gomes,
Moderator
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Colvale & Mapusa Deanery.
