The inauguration of the new formative year for 2025-26 was held at the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, on the 4th of July 2025, in the auditorium. The theme for this year is “Being tangible signs of hope, let us restore all things in Christ (“Bhorvanxeacheo khoreo ani niz khunnam zavun, sogott Krista sovem ekthaum-ia).” The proceedings began at 9:30 am with the Holy Eucharist which was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and concelebrated by the staff members of the Pastoral Institute, parish priests/assistants of the parishes where the deacons will be carrying out their ministry this formative year and priests from neighbouring parishes. Dns. Sunil Almeida and Aaron D’Souza assisted at the celebration. The Core Team members, The Administrative committee members, support staff of the institute, the family members of the deacons and several religious brothers and sisters from houses in and around Old Goa were also in attendance.
There was, after the mass, a felicitation programme in which Ms. Maria Afonso, our ex-office clerk and Fr. Miguel Pereira, the previous secretary of our institute were felicitated for their committed services and were wished all the best in their future endeavours. This was followed by the release of the handbook of the institution at the hands of the Cardinal.
The deacons then presented a short cultural programme comprising of a choral rendition based on the pastoral theme for the year entitled “Bhorvanso amkam fottoina.” And an instrumental piece “Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel. The Cardinal then met each deacon along with his family members and thereafter shared his message to them. The director of the Institute in his address, introduced the staff members formally and then addressed the parents and the deacons. The programme concluded with the fellowship meal.