OLD GOA: Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, on Saturday consecrated the Archdiocese to Mother Mary, at a special ceremony at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration to mark the centenary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal, Rev Ferrao, standing before a statue of the Mother of Christ, recited the special prayer consecrating the Archdiocese of Goa into the hands of Mother Mary.
Recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, Adoration, Eucharistic celebration, consecration, release of souvenir and procession marked the centenary celebrations at Old Goa on Saturday, even as churches across the State had their own celebrations and special services.
The celebration at Old Goa was largely attended by people from across the State, as special buses made trips bringing the faithful from various parishes to the Se Cathedral.
At the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop of Belgaum, Rev Peter Machado, focused on Mother Mary and urged the congregation to deepen their devotion for peace in the families and the society.
For deeper reflection, Rev Machado highlighted three aspects, namely peace, prayer and penance. “We all need peace,” he said, but queried, “Is there peace in our families and society today? There is selfishness and self-centredness among our leaders, which results in frustration among the masses.”
Focusing on prayer, the bishop said that prayer is equally important for peace and tranquillity to prevail. He said that Our Lady of Fatima is a Mother of prayer, and prayer can be fruitful through reflection on the word of God, sacraments, visit to the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of Rosary.
Reflecting on penance, Rev Machado said there is no victory without a cross and sufferings. “Penance helps each one of us to come closer to God and stay united with Him in prayer,” he added.
To mark the special occasion, a souvenir was released, as also a book ‘A New Method of Praying the Holy Rosary’ by Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira at the hands of the Archbishop. The event concluded with a candle light procession and final blessing at the Cruz Milagres Church.
Before the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Peter da Gama, briefed the congregation on the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, through a power-point presentation. The World Apostolate of Fatima, Goa unit, helped the congregation to pray by their soulful singing.
