The Sunday of the Word of God was solemnly celebrated at St. Jerome Church, Mapusa, on 25 January 2026. The concelebrated Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The concelebrants were Fr. Leonardo Moraes, Parish Priest of St. Jerome Church; Fr. Savio Pinto and Fr. Agustin Alfonso, Assistant Parish Priests; Fr. Mariano D’Costa, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate; and Fr. Jackie Albuquerque from the Bishop’s House. To mark the occasion, 99 eligible participants of the Bible Course were awarded diplomas at the hands of Bishop Simião at the conclusion of the Mass and were commissioned as Biblical Animators. The Bible Course was organised by St. Jerome Church and conducted by the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate every Tuesday from June 2025 to January 2026. The course covered Salvation History and an Introduction to the Bible.
Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, “The Word of Christ Dwells Among You” (Colossians 3:16), Bishop Simião, in his homily, emphasized that the Word of God is among us and close to us. He exhorted the participants to remain deeply rooted in the Word and to bear abundant fruit in their lives. Quoting St. Jerome’s famous saying, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ,” he urged the faithful to read the Scriptures regularly in order to know Christ more deeply and love Him sincerely. He further reminded the congregation that the Bible is meant to be “bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions.”
At the end of the celebration, Fr. Mariano D’Costa congratulated the participants and appreciated their love for the Scriptures. He expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Bishop Simião, Fr. Leonardo, and his collaborators. He also acknowledged the meticulous organisation and selfless service of the coordinating team for the Bible Course—Mrs. Dolorosa Fernandes, Mrs. Regina Dsouza, and Mrs. Merciana Dsouza—who were felicitated at the hands of Bishop Simião. In addition, Mr. Jose Fernandes and Mr. Hillary Lobo (Sacristans), Mr. Alberto Joseph and Mr. Hedwick Fernandes (Security Personnel), and Ms. Janerina Dsouza were felicitated for their support during the Bible Course. Fr. Leonardo Moraes, on his behalf, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the participants and to Fr. Mariano. In his concluding message, Bishop Simião conveyed his words of appreciation and thanksgiving on behalf of Archbishop Cardinal Ferrão and on his own behalf to Fr. Leonardo and his assistants, Fr. Mariano, the coordinating team, and all the participants. He encouraged the newly commissioned Biblical Animators to work zealously for the growth of faith and the Church. The celebration concluded with a fellowship.
Report prepared by
Mrs. Dolorosa Fernandes
St. Jerome Church, Mapusa
