AGENCIES, PANJIM: The Church in Goa termed the demise of Pope Francis as “sad news for the universal church,” asserting that it was “a moment of giving thanks to God” for providing the leadership of “this great man”.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao said, “His vision to transform the Church into a synodal community, one that listens, discerns, journeys together and embraces inclusivity, has left an indelible mark on the Church at all levels.”
Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to the Church and his dynamic endeavours in promoting peace, inter-religious dialogue, social justice and care for creation will be long remembered and cherished, he added.
“His untiring efforts to bring the Love of God to those on the peripheries, offering hope to the dejected and opening the healing face of the Church to the wounded will go a long way in presenting the true Face of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the Archbishop said in a statement released to the media.
“I, along with all the faithful of this Archdiocese, deeply mourn the loss of this inspiring and compassionate Shepherd of the Church. May his soul find eternal peace in the loving arms of our heavenly Father,” Archbishop Ferrao added.
“It is sad news for the universal church. But at the same time, it is a moment of giving thanks to God. God has led the church for the last almost 12 years now with the leadership of this great man, a man of god. That is why it is also a moment for the church to thank God,” said Fr Henry Falcao, Director of St Joseph Vaz Renewal Centre at Old Goa.
Informing that the mourning period will continue till the funeral takes place, Falcao said it is also a time for the church to pray intensely so that God provides a leader, a new Pope who will guide in these difficult times.
“In these difficult times, the Pope was so vocal. He spoke so much against war. He was a man of peace and the man for the poor. It is also a humble prayer of church. These days of mourning are also the days of intense prayer and silence,” Falcao said.
The priest said the church is in the Easter season, adding the Easter feast continues for next 50 days.
“We are believers in the resurrection of Christ. It gives us hope. God will lead the church, and guide the church by the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Fr Ralin de Souza of Rector of Don Bosco, Fatorda in South Goa said the death of Pope Francis is truly a moment of big transition.
“First, he was known to be very simple. He didn’t want too much protocol and I think that simplicity is a quality that stands out in him as a Christian and as a representative of Christ,” de Souza said.
“Secondly, he was very honest when he dealt with things, even when it came to religious leaders in the Church. He was forthright and demanding of them, calling for certain standards in how we deal with Christians and how we serve those in the Church,” he added.
In many places where there has been war, people have often been cautious about saying who is right or wrong, but he gave straightforward statements and provided clear directions, de Souza said.
“Above all, the Pope demanded peace, irrespective of what countries or leaders had to say,” he asserted.
Catholic Bishops body declares
9-day nationwide mourning period
MARGAO: Following Pope Francis’s death, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has announced a nine-day mourning period nationwide.
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, who is also the CCBI president, has issued a circular to all members of the Latin Catholic Church in India, requesting special prayers and Requiem Masses for the Pope’s soul. Church bells will be tolled as a sign of grief. The circular emphasised Pope Francis’s legacy and his efforts to promote fellowship and inclusivity within the Church. Cardinal Ferrão has requested dioceses to gather priests, religious, and lay faithful for Requiem Masses. The statement also acknowledges Pope Francis’s canonisation of five Indian saints during his time as Pope.