St. Francis of Assisi Friary, the Capuchin Formation House, Canacona, along with the members of the Order of Franciscans Secular, celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on 4th October 2026 with great joy and solemnity. The celebration was made particularly significant by the presence of His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. It was his first visit to the Capuchin Formation House, making the occasion particularly memorable for the seminarians, formators and Capuchin friars.
The theme chosen for the Eucharistic celebration was: “Like St. Francis of Assisi, let us abide in Jesus and build His Church”. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao presided over the Eucharistic celebration, and was concelebrated by the Provincial Minister, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM Cap, Provincial Councilors, the Dean of Canacona Deanery, Rev. Fr. Patrick Luis, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Sadolxem, priests from the various parishes of the Canacona Deanery, religious priests, and Capuchin friars of the St. Anthony Capuchin Province of Goa. In his homily, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao reflected on building the Church which is the body of Christ. He also gave a clarion call to protect nature and work for the common good.
A significant moment of the celebration was the blessing of the new altar by His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao. Another important highlight of the celebration was the release of a book titled, “St. Francis at 800: Re-living His Legacy” the five milestones in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, at the hands of His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao. The publication was prepared by the Apostolate Commission of the St. Anthony Capuchin Province of Goa as part of the observance of the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. Several brothers of the province contributed articles dealing with different themes connected with the life, spirituality, mission, and legacy of St. Francis. The culmination of the day’s celebrations was the blessing and inauguration of the first floor of the Capuchin Seminary at the hands of His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao. The celebration concluded on a festive note.
