The Conference of Religious of India (CRI) – Goa Unit marked the Jubilee of Religious on Sunday with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna.
Preaching on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Path of Peace,” Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman urged consecrated men and women to be “witnesses of hope and builders of peace in today’s world.”
He reminded them that being a disciple of Jesus “is not by chance; it is a sign of God’s special predilection.”
The cardinal called on the religious to live with trust, gratitude, and deep rootedness in God, to embrace surrender, and to serve wholeheartedly.
He stressed vigilance, responsibility, faithfulness, and humility in ministry, and identified three attitudes essential to their journey: “being caring persons, offering joyful service, and living with mercy and compassion.”
Liturgical singing was led by Redemptorist and Dominican brothers, with Fr. Michael Pereira SVD as commentator.
After Mass, a short cultural program featured a prayer dance by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (SFN) from Sancoale, a mime by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), and a song by Sr. Maria Patole FMCK.
Cardinal Ferrão released a souvenir and presented the Jubilee Trophy to the winners of the Jubilee Cup 2025, held earlier this year for both religious and diocesan priests. Participants received a Pilgrims’ Admit Card upon arrival as a symbolic gesture.
The event was anchored by Sr. Valentina Vaz SFN. Fr. Gabriel Fernandes announced the Jubilee Cup winners, while Sr. Daisy JMJ coordinated the souvenir release. Sr. Ayres of Caritas Christi delivered the vote of thanks.
As a final symbolic act, each religious was gifted sunflower seeds, signifying hope. The celebration ended with CRI (Goa) standing together in solidarity with truth, justice, and service to the poor.
Cardinal Ferrão was joined at the altar by Fr. Nazareth Fernandes SFX, Superior General of the Society of the Pilar; Fr. Clive Teles, Provincial Superior of the Salesians’ Goa Province; Fr. Joaquim Fernandes SVD, Episcopal Vicar for the Religious; Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM Cap, newly elected CRI (Goa) president; Fr. Eugene D’Silva CSSR, former vice-president of CRI (Goa); and several other priests, including Fr. Agnelo Gomes SFX, Director of the Agnel Technical Educational Complex.
