MARGAO: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has called on entrepreneurs to anchor their business decisions in faith, integrity and service to society, stressing that economic life carries a moral responsibility beyond profit.
Addressing a gathering at St Michael Church, Taleigao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman said business should be seen as a vocation that builds communities and sustains families. He urged professionals to ensure that their ventures reflect Gospel values and contribute meaningfully to the common good.
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The occasion marked ten years of the networking platform Goa Dimensions, which brings together entrepreneurs and professionals from the Catholic community. The anniversary celebration drew founders, members and Church leaders to reflect on a decade of collaborative enterprise.
Referring to Scripture and Christian social teaching, the Cardinal said talents and resources are entrusted gifts meant for the benefit of society. He cautioned against allowing greed or narrow self-interest to guide economic activity and instead encouraged participants to be agents of ethical leadership in the marketplace. True success, he said, is rooted in perseverance, sacrifice and service.
In his reflection, Simiao Fernandes spoke on gratitude and purpose in professional life. Using the symbolism of the human hand, he outlined four pillars — purpose, partnership, progress and gratitude — and described job creation as a noble responsibility shaped by faith and accountability.
In his presidential address, Jason Andrade referred to the continuing migration of Goans and stressed the need to encourage entrepreneurship within the State. He said fostering local enterprise was essential to strengthening families and communities and called for greater support structures to nurture emerging ventures.
The programme also recognised founders, directors and long-standing contributors who played a role in shaping the initiative over the last decade. Founder Evencio Quadros and several members were acknowledged for their service, while cultural performances formed part of the commemorative event.
Director Antonio da Cunha said the anniversary celebration was organised through contributions from entrepreneurs themselves, reflecting the collaborative spirit that has defined the platform’s journey so far.
The Cardinal concluded by assuring the Church’s continued support for ethical entrepreneurship and prayed that business leaders would remain guided by faith-based values in their professional and social commitments.
