Bishop Simião Fernandes urged priests to live their vocation as a “gift, offering, love, and dedication” during the golden jubilee celebration of six diocesan priests of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at Holy Spirit Church here on April 30.
The celebration marked 50 years of priestly ministry of the jubilarians and highlighted the enduring demands of pastoral service in the Church.
In his homily, Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of Goa and Daman, reflected on the dignity of the ministerial priesthood as a participation in the mission of Christ, the Good Shepherd. He said a priest is called to know his people intimately, seek out the lost, protect the flock, and take risks for their sake, reflecting the heart of Christ.
Recalling the lives of the jubilarians, he said they have, over five decades, proclaimed the Gospel, journeyed with their communities, and offered selfless pastoral service, becoming “living witnesses” to the grace of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Fernandes developed his reflection using the acronym “GOLD,” describing priesthood as a gift of God’s grace, an offering of life in service, rooted in love of God and neighbor, and sustained by dedication through trials and joys.
“Priesthood is not a human achievement but a divine calling sustained by God’s fidelity,” he said, adding that it is lived through daily self-giving, constant availability, and sacrifices often unseen.
He concluded by reminding the faithful that God’s call is always accompanied by grace. “When God anoints, He empowers; and when He sends, He walks alongside those whom He has called,” he said.
Six diocesan priests marked their 50th year in the priesthood: Fr. Walter de Sá of Santacruz, currently chaplain of Our Lady of Candelaria in Alto Porvorim; Fr. Lino de Sá of Betalbatim, serving at Our Lady of Grace Church; Fr. Gualberto de Souza of Cunchelim, chaplain of Our Lady of Piety Chapel in Quitla-Aldona; Fr. Diogo M. Fernandes of Paroda; Fr. Albino Mendonça of Socorro; and Fr. Agnelo Quadros of Fatorda.
The priests were ordained in the same church five decades ago, along with three others, bringing the total to nine ordinands at the time. The celebration also included prayers for their deceased companions — Fr. Jose Menino Rodrigues, Fr. Tomas d’Aquino Sequeira, and Fr. Caetano Piedade Cardoso.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman presided over the Eucharistic celebration, joined by several concelebrating priests.
Speaking during the event, Cardinal Ferrão congratulated the jubilarians and acknowledged the role of families in nurturing priestly vocations.
“The story of our divine call begins at home,” he said, noting the support, sacrifices, and encouragement given by families throughout the priests’ ministry.
