Goa
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao presides at Goa Velha Deanery Lenten Penitential
celebration at Sts Simon and Jude Church, Mount Ganxim, Batim on 18 February
2018: witness of unity and faith
Nine
Parishes of Goa Velha Deanery: Agassaim, Azossim, Batim, Curca, Goa Velha,
Mandur, Neura, Siridao and Talaulim took part in the Penitential Way of the
Cross, then Rosary from their respective areas and some from Batim Church at
around 330 pm. They were led by respective Priests and carried banners depicted
names of the Parish and wards. Youth were at different locations to guide. Then
they joined the silent Adoration at the Church on the Holy Mount.
Archbishop
Filipe Neri was welcomed by Goa Velha Dean Fr Roland Carvalho at the Statue of
Mother of God at 440 pm. As they entered the Church, the traditional welcome
song to Archbishop was led by Fr Ubaldo Fernandes, Batim Parish Priest. The
solemn High Mass began at 450 pm with 16 concelebrants. Deacon Joseph Fernandes
assisted. The readers were from the different Parishes. In his homily,
Archbishop said: “in a spirit of penance, we are taking part in this
penitential celebration. After being baptised, with the power of the Holy
Spirit, Jesus was led to the desert. He fasted for forty days as preparation
for His mission. Jesus proclaimed His message, ‘Repent, the kingdom is at hand.
Repent and believe in the Gospel. Repent, the kingdom is at hand.’
Through
Jesus and through Baptism we are renewed and heirs to the kingdom. What is the
meaning of the kingdom of God? 1) In
this kingdom of God, there is new relationship with God. Are we living like God
loving children? In my life, am I giving first place (primacy) to God and Jesus,
by Holy Mass and the word of God? Or have I begun to be enslaved in sin? In my
life, in my family, have I denied life and become enslaved to self-centredness?
2) Freedom leads to serving one another, or do I demand others to serve me? Am
I enslaved to selfishness, riches and bodily pleasures thereby serving myself
and satan? 3) We must be united in community and friendship with understanding
in our lives, families, communities. Have I broken this by anger and enmity? 4) Like Jesus, we must spread all around us
the light of truth, justice, peace, goodness and righteousness. Have I become
untruthful and living a life enslaved to vices?
By doing a
good confession, experiencing Jesus’ intimate love this Lent season, let us
follow His loving way and renew our lives. Many had a personal experience of
Jesus, renewing their lives, like Zachhaeus in Luke 19. He was a sinner, far
from God. He was enslaved to sin and vices. But, when he comes to know that
Jesus will pass that side, he spares no effort to see Him. Just as Jesus
watched Zachhaeus, so also He watches each one of us, however sinful we may be
and however astray we maybe, Jesus is concerned for each one of us.
Similarly,
Jesus says to each of us that He wishes to enter our lives. Zachhaeus life was
completely changed by personally experiencing Jesus: 1) He made Jesus the
centre of his life, by making his offering. 2) He met Jesus, so he got true freedom.
Earlier, he was enslaved in sin with money and vices. Half of his possessions he pledged to give to the poor.
He came forward in true freedom to serve others. 3) He stated
that he would give half of his possessions to the poor. Since Jesus showed
concern for Zachhaeus, he pledged to do the same by building and strengthening
the community, friendship with others. Zachhaeus became the community builder. 4)
If he defrauded anyone of
anything, he pledged to give back four times as much. Since
he met Jesus, he spread the light of truth, justice, peace, goodness and
righteousness in the community. And
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Salvation means
new relationship with Jesus, new relationship amongst us and in the community.
God has
favoured us with this merciful and graceful Lent season. We do not know if we
will be favoured with this next year. This merciful season, Jesus reminds us,
“Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel. This
Lent season, like Zachheus, let us very deeply experience Jesus by repenting
and becoming community builders and through our witness spread the light of
truth, justice, peace, goodness and righteousness; through the intercession of
Our Blessed Mother and the two Patrons of this Church Sts Simon and Judas, to
Our Heavenly Father, earnestly pray at this Mass.”
Fr
Ubaldo sang the post communion Hymn to ‘God My Father.’ Fr Roland thanked
everyone, especially Archbishop, Fr Ubaldo, local MLA, Panchayat, and
Electricity Department. He mentioned that Archbishop could decide on having
this once a year. Archbishop congratulated and thanked all especially the Dean,
Parish Priests, all Priests, nuns, brothers, leaders, laity, youth, elders,
children who partook with great difficulty in spirit of penance. Scripture
mentions Jesus and also Moses going to mount to pray to be united to God. This
was decided this lent, to cultivate a spirit of penance and reparation. He mentioned that this
Lenten Penitential celebration can be Archdiocesan level, God willing next
lent, with all as witness of unity and faith.
He
said that Goa Velha Deanery is the first (in the Archdiocese) for this. In a spirit
of penance, we have climbed this mount and offered Holy Sacrifice of Mass. Let
us retain the penitential spirit throughout lent season. Let us pray that this
season of lent be a time of grace and blessing for us, our Diocese and the
universal Church and through us to the whole of mankind.
About 1,200 attended.
The Church renovation was completed with fresh painting, new mikes, electrical
points, washrooms and clean compound. The local Batim Parishioners led by Fr Ubaldo
spared no efforts in all areas. Choir was ably performed by Maina Batim.
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