TEAM HERALD
OLD GOA: Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao on Monday exhorted the faithful to emulate Joseph Vaz and walk with Christ, build with Christ and to witness Jesus Christ.
“This is how spiritual renewal can be achieved and the purpose of the Spiritual Renewal Centre will to help the faithful (children, youth, families and Small Christian Communities) to foster the same,” stated the Archbishop in his homily.
The solemn ceremony for the inauguration of the Spiritual Renewal Centre at Cruz dos Milagres, Monte de Boa Vista, Old Goa, began with the Eucharistic celebration presided by the Archbishop along with about 120 concelebrating priests.
A large number of people, including Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai, were among those present at the function.
After the communion, the Archbishop along with the Vicar General of the Archdiocese and four Episcopal Vicars blessed the Spiritual Renewal Centre.
A short documentary showing the previous and the present condition of the site was presented to the gathering.
In his address, Fr Simiao Fernandes thanked God and all those who had contributed in various ways for the cause of the Spiritual Renewal Centre.
The restored building will be used to conduct retreats, renewal courses and conferences and to accommodate pilgrims during the forthcoming exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics.
The second and third phases, which were completed at a cost of around Rs 20 crore, include the new wing of the Spiritual Renewal Centre consisting of air-conditioned hall and also the renovated old building of the Oratorian Fathers which houses the renovated room of Fr Joseph Vaz where he was residing during his stay at the Cruz dos Milagres.
Earlier speaking to Herald, President of Fund Raising Committee Fr Conceicao D’Silva informed that the fourth and final phase of the centre will consist of dormitories and rooms, which will cost another Rs 5 crore.
“The Catholic faithful of Goa has contributed generously for the cause,” Fr D’Silva informed while adding that the total cost of the Spiritual Renewal Centre will cross Rs 30 crore.
On the contribution by the government, Procurator of the Goa Diocese Fr Valerian Vaz said that the government has constructed the approach road while also helping in the overall landscaping of the place, lighting, water and power supply.
Highlighting one of the objectives of the centre, Director of the Retreat Centre Fr Henry Falcao said different types of retreats will be held at the centre to help in the overall spiritual renewal. “Retreats will be held for youth, families, children, etc,” he added.
