Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman called on Catholics in Uguem, Goa, to deepen their faith and renew their Christian mission as a local chapel was elevated to parish status on Oct. 20.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Piety became the 176th parish in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the fifth parish in the archdiocese dedicated to Our Lady of Piety.
“The Church is not merely a building of stones or an institution, but a living community of followers of Jesus Christ, united by faith and animated by the Holy Spirit,” said Cardinal Ferrão, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Emphasizing the spiritual significance of the new parish status, Ferrão reminded the faithful that they themselves are the living temple of God, in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.
The prelate said the elevation of the chapel brings greater responsibility to deepen Christian commitment and live the faith meaningfully in daily life.
The archbishop outlined three responsibilities for the community: to grow in faith, to live the mystery of communion and fellowship, and to continue the mission of Christ.
Ferrão said the experience of Jesus Christ must remain at the center of Christian faith. The gift of faith, received through Baptism, he said, invites every believer into a personal relationship with the Lord.
He encouraged the faithful to nurture that relationship through prayer, reading and reflecting on the Word of God, and celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Ferrão also stressed the importance of communion and fellowship within the Christian community.
Referring to the life of the early Christian community, he emphasized the need to translate faith into concrete acts of love, solidarity and care for those in need.
A parish, he said, must be more than a place where people gather for worship. It should become a community whose members support one another, share their blessings and help the poor and vulnerable.
On the third responsibility, Ferrão called on the faithful to continue Christ’s mission through their lives.
He said the faith celebrated in the liturgy must find expression in daily Christian witness, not only through the profession of faith but also through words, attitudes and actions.
He urged Catholics to bear witness to Christ in their families, neighborhoods and wider society, as well as through their participation in Church associations and movements.
Such witness, he emphasized, must also extend to people of other faiths through lives marked by love, respect, service and genuine Christian values.
Ferrão reminded the community that the elevation of the chapel to parish status increases its responsibilities.
He said the new status is not simply an ecclesiastical distinction but a call to renewed spiritual growth, deeper unity and greater service to the Church and society.
The archbishop also presented Mary, venerated as Our Lady of Piety, as a model for the parish community.
He said her faith, trust in God and readiness to respond to His will can help the faithful follow Christ more closely and become authentic witnesses to the Gospel.
