Team Herald
PANJIM: A small group of priests are travelling to the capital of Christendom –Rome, to witness the elevation of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao as Cardinal on Saturday evening. Filipe Neri Ferrao is the sixth person of Goan origin to become a cardinal.
Ferrao’s entourage includes three episcopal vicars of the archdiocese, parish priests, chaplains and ex-colleagues. Episcopal Vicar from South Zone Fr Lucio Dias also confirmed that he is on his journey to Rome as well with the other priests.
On May 29, Pope Francis announced his desire to create new Cardinals for the Catholic Church and amongst them was the name of our very own Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, first Archbishop to be made a cardinal in the 465-year history of the Archdiocese of Goa.
The consistory for creating Cardinals will be held on August 27, at the Vatican at 7.30 pm (IST).
In his letter to the laity, the Archbishop had requested to pray for him as he would be entrusted with this great responsibility.
He urged the people saying, “I ask, above all, for your prayers and sacrifices, so that I may be able to respond to the new challenges that this appointment will bring to my priestly ministry. Please join me in praying that the Lord may make me fervent in pastoral charity, in order to serve the Gospel and help the Church radiate the Love of Jesus to our world.”
“So, let us join in prayers on August 27. The Diocesan Centre for Liturgy has given a prayer Service on ‘Amcho Sevadhorm’ liturgical magazine, which can be used for the same,” the Archbishop stated.
The Church in Goa will celebrate Saturday evening when Filipe Neri Ferrao will be elevated as cardinal. The 69-year-old prelate has already travelled to Rome with his secretary Fr Loiola Pereira.
Archbishop’s native village Aldona will also be rejoicing at the elevation of one of their own as Cardinal. Archbishop of Hyderabad Anthony Poola is amongst 20 prelates, who will be made Cardinals in Rome this Saturday.
After the elevation of St Joseph Vaz as a saint, this is another big moment for the Goa Church. Two of the priests travelling to Rome to witness the ceremony in person are Fr Seby Vaz, Assistant to Financial Administrator at the Archbishop’s House, Altinho and Fr George Ratos, Parish Priest of Paroda.