Team Herald
OLD GOA: In a warm welcome address during the solemn celebration of Saint Francis Xavier’s Feast Mass, Archbishop Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrao emphasised the extraordinary significance of the 18th exposition of the saint’s sacred relics this year by acknowledging the distinguished gathering of religious leaders from around the world.
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“We have gathered here today with great devotion,” Cardinal Ferrao declared, emphasising the special nature of this year’s celebration. He specifically drew attention to the presence of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, who was presiding over the feast Mass.
The archbishop provided context for Cardinal Tagle’s significant role, noting that his dicastery oversees 1,118 dioceses, archdioceses, and ecclesiastical jurisdictions worldwide. Despite his extensive responsibilities, Cardinal Tagle had accepted the invitation to preside over the feast Mass, a gesture for which Cardinal Ferrao expressed deep gratitude.
Cardinal Ferrao extended a cordial welcome to a distinguished assembly of religious leaders. This included the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli, who represents the Pope in India and Nepal, and serves as a liaison between the Holy See and the country’s 175 dioceses.
The gathering included several bishops from various parts of the world: Alfredo Caires de Nobrega from Madagascar, Sebastiao Mascarenhas of Baroda, Aleixo das Neves Dias (Emeritus of Port Blair), Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo (Mozambique) Dom Tonito Francisco Xavier Muananoua and the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Simao Fernandes.
A special mention was made of the adorers who had undertaken walking pilgrimages from Sindhudurg, Belgaum, Kolhapur, and various parts of Goa. The Archbishop also welcomed government and civil authorities, including the Governor of Goa, Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Ministers Aleixo Sequeira and Mauvin Godinho, and Exposition Commissioner Sandip Jacques. Diplomatic representation was also acknowledged, with the Ambassador of Philippines, the Consul General of Portugal, and diplomats from several other countries in attendance.
