Goa: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, on Thursday, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 31 youngsters at St. Sebastian’s Church, Loliem in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Cardinal Ferrão presided over the Eucharistic celebration along with Fr Sydney Dias CSC, Parish Priest, St Sebastian’s Church, Loliem, Fr Santana D’Souza,Dean, Canacona deanery, Fr Vijit Mathias CSC, Assistant to PP, Fr Alvito Fernandes OCD, Director, Divine Springs Retreat Centre, Xellim and Fr Norbert D’Silva CSC, a former parish priest as concelebrants.
“Dear youngsters, love the Word of God to know Jesus, strengthen your relationship with him, and witness him,” said Cardinal Filipe Neri while delivering a homily on the theme “Anointed with the Holy Spirit, Let us follow Christ.”
Cardinal also suggested prayer and daily participation in the Eucharistic Celebration as the means to deepen the relationship with Christ.
Recalling the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was expert in Computer technology, and designed website to share his Eucharistic experience, the Prelate appealed to the youngsters to experience Jesus, do away selfishness and be merciful to those in need.
Cardinal also expressed his concern about his vocation to the priesthood and religious life and appealed to the youngsters who received the Sacrament of Confirmation to say ‘Yes’ to the call of Jesus.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão was welcomed with a bouquet of flowers at the entrance of the church by Fr Vijit Mathias along with the priests, religious and Parishioners. Archbishop was felicitated at the hands of Fr Santana D’Souza, Dean, Canacona deanery and Melba Dias, moderator of Loliem Parish Pastoral Council on behalf of the parishioners for being elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis. This was the Archbishop’s first visit to Loliem Parish after his elevation as a Cardinal.
Cajie D’Silva was the liturgical commentator while Sr Cleris BS animated the liturgy. Fr Sydney Dias thanked all.