185 Parishes Unite for Archdiocesan Quiz on Saints’ Lives

Goa, December 6, 2024: The Organizing Committee for the Exposition of the Relics of Saint Francis Xavier held an All-Goa Archdiocesan Quiz Competition on "The Life of Saints: Models of Holiness" from July to November 2024. The event, aimed at fostering awareness about saints and the Second Vatican Council, involved 185 parishes and chapels across Goa and concluded with a grand final round on November 3, at the Archdiocesan level. The winners of the competition were felicitated by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, on November 30, 2024, after the seventh novena of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.

The quiz was conducted in four phases: parish-level rounds on July 21, deanery-level rounds on August 25, zonal rounds for North and South Goa on September 15 and the final at the Archdiocesan level on November 3. Participants were quizzed on Goan saints, Indian saints, saints from abroad and the four key documents of the Second Vatican Council.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Fr. Henry Falcão, Convener of the Exposition, emphasized the educational value of the event. “Our catechism children learned extensively about the life of Saint Francis Xavier and other saints by participating in this quiz. We are elated and thank the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, parish priests, parents, and catechists for their dedicated efforts in preparing the children,” he said.

The winners of the quiz were Angelica Simoes and Catherine Rego from Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz, who secured first place. The second place was shared by Anaya Joseline Pereira and Jade Shalom D’Costa from Our Lady of Patrocinio Chapel, Benaulim, alongside Jeslon Cyrus Pereira and Darryl Mario Barreto from Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Baina. Wendell Franky Gomes and Warren Thomas Gomes from Our Lady of Piety Chapel, Pancoorzoni, Cuncolim, secured third place.

The event was a resounding success, inspiring deeper understanding and appreciation of saints' lives and Catholic teachings among young participants.

By Steve Antao