MARGAO: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is all set for a highly anticipated ecclesial event – the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-elect Rev Simião Purificação Fernandes on Monday. This sacred ceremony holds profound significance for the Church, as it has been three decades since such an event occurred in Goa. In 1994, during the late Archbishop Raul Gonsalves’ episcopacy, the present Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, was appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop. Gonsalves was later succeeded by Ferrao, who became the Archbishop in 2004.
Two months ago, Pope Francis named Fr Simião Fas the Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese. Ahead of Monday’s consecration ritual for the Bishop-elect at the Sé Catedral in Old Goa, that will take place in the presence of around 15 bishops from across India, clergy members from Goa have sent heartfelt tributes, which were earlier shared in the Archdiocese’s pastoral bulletin, ‘Renovacao’.
Fr J Loiola Pereira, the Secretary to Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão recalled that he was Fr Simião’s Prefect and Teacher at the Seminary of Our Lady High School, Saligão-Pilerne, more than 40 years ago.
He recalled how Fr Simião was the best student in his class, and remained humble, prayerful, and ever ready to help others. He believed that Fr Simião had inherited these qualities from his saintly mother, who raised him. Fr Pereira says he is glad that Fr Simião has kept those qualities untarnished to date.
Fr Lucio Dias, the Episcopal Vicar (South) showered praise on Fr Simião for being a multifaceted personality, known for his organisational skills, meticulous planning, and intelligence. He recalled Fr Simião’s appointment as the Convenor of the Coordinating Committee Synod 2023 for the Archdiocese. He added that as the people of Goa thanked the Lord for the gift of the Bishop-Elect, they prayed that he might lead the Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Fr Tomas Lobo, said he knows Fr Simião since seminary days and was closely associated with him in the formation of future priests. He vouched for Fr Simião as a synodal priest who embraces and journeys with the young and old. “His style of functioning could be summed up in the maxim: ‘simple living, high thinking’. It is a joy to witness his handling of multiple tasks with adroitness and élan,” he said.
Fr Walter de Sa praised Fr Fernandes’ caring approach and joyful priesthood, saying these qualities will serve him well in shepherding the Church in Goa during difficult times.
Fr Kenneth Teles, noted that Fr Simião, has a close bond with Sancoale Parish, the homeland of St Joseph Vaz. He served as President of the ‘Cofre do Servo de Deus, Pe Jose Vaz’ and ‘Causa of Canonization of Blessed Jose Vaz’ committees from 2008 to 2016. During his tenure, Pope Francis canonized Blessed Joseph Vaz in 2015.
Fr James Torres da Silva, recalled how the appointment of Fr Simião as the new Auxiliary Bishop was a joyous moment not only for Fr Simião’s family but also for the entire village of Guirdolim, where Fr Simião’s hails from. “We also remembered Fr Simião’s mother Ana Santana, who was a devout woman. Fr Simião’s family members, including sisters are all actively involved in the activities of the St Francis Xavier Chapel in Guirdolim,” he said.
Several other priests, including Fr Victor Ferrão, Fr Melito D Costa, Fr Bolmax Pereira, Fr Leslie Rego and Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX, and Fr James Torres da Silva, praised Fr Simião compassion, pastoral approach, approachability, devotion to the Church and scholarly acumen and expertise.
