The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman recently marked the Jubilee of Vocations with a unique pan-Goa initiative that saw eight North Goa parishes host simultaneous programmes encouraging youth and fami lies to reflect on their spiritual calling. Organised by the Dioc esan Office for the Promotion of Vocations (DOPV) under the theme “Vochat, Bhorvanso Pet toyat” (“Called, Sent to Bear Fruit”), the celebration brought together priests, religious, and lay teams in a coordinated effort to promote vocations across the region. The parishes that participat ed in the Jubilee included Pana ji, Santa Cruz, Penha de Franca, Calangute, Pomburpa, Valpoi, Mandrem and Pernem — turn ing what is usually a single-day observance into a widespread pastoral outreach. Each loca tion hosted a DOPV team that interacted with catechism stu dents and parishioners through talks, discussions, and creative presentations aimed at foster ing awareness of the different vocations in the Church. Unlike a centralised gath ering, this year’s celebration focused on local participation, allowing parish communities to experience the Jubilee in their own settings. The approach was intended to make the idea of vo cation more relatable and per sonal, especially for young peo ple discerning their path in life. A highlight across parishes was the screening of two short films produced by the DOPV — a skit titled “Bhorvanxeachi Divt ti” (“The Lamp of the Called”) and a theme song “Vochat, Bhorvanso Pettoyat.” Both were written by Rev Fr Tomas Lobo, Chairperson of the DOPV, with music by Rev Fr John Albano Fernandes and vocals by Tanish Ovila Gama and Leroy Gonzag Sequeira. Featuring members of the DOPV executive team, the productions were designed to inspire reflection on how faith can be lived out through service and commitment. Participants were also invited to write down their thoughts and intentions about their per sonal vocation, and each re ceived a bookmark featuring the Archdiocesan prayer for vo cations — a symbolic reminder to continue discerning God’s call. The day concluded with Eucharistic celebrations in each parish, followed by expressions of gratitude from local catechet ical associations. Sr Godwina Orina Pereira HC, Executive Secretary of the DOPV, described the initiative as a “grassroots expression of faith” aimed at nurturing a cul ture of discernment.
Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Celebrates Jubilee of Vocations Across Eight North Goa Parishes
Frazer Andrade completed his schooling at Loyola High School, Margão, and pursued higher secondary education at Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Pharmacy from Goa College of Pharmacy, Panjim. After a year in the pharmaceutical industry, he transitioned to the field of art by interning at the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa. This led him to Mumbai, where he worked with a private art conservation firm and later studied conservation at the Prince of Wales Museum. Currently, he works as a journalist with a local Goan newspaper. Passionate about Goa’s art, culture, and heritage, Frazer has been actively involved in preserving Goan Christian art since 2014, and antiques since 2012. He founded and manages the Facebook and Instagram pages Indo-Portuguese & Goan Christian Art. Through his ‘Green God’ initiative, he promotes eco-friendly religious sculptures. His interests also include gardening, cycling, and writing. An enthusiastic ambassador for Goa, he takes pride in sharing its rich heritage. Frazer has published two pharmaceutical research papers in international journals and co-authored a research article on art conservation.
