Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Celebrates Mass in Suffrage of Pope Francis at Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Old Goa, April 24, 2025: A solemn Mass in suffrage of His Holiness Pope Francis was held on Thursday morning at the historic Se Cathedral in Old Goa. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and concelebrated by Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Port Blair, along with several priests. The Mass brought together hundreds of faithful, including parish priests, religious sisters, and laypeople, to offer prayers for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Gospel of the day, from St. Luke, recalling the appearance of the Risen Christ to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and later in Jerusalem. “After their encounter with the Risen Christ, the lives of the disciples were transformed, and they became witnesses of the Risen Lord,” the Cardinal stated. Paying tribute to Pope Francis, Cardinal Ferrao emphasised that the late pontiff too was a “joyful witness of the Risen Lord” and “a shining image of the Good Shepherd”.

Cardinal Ferrão emphasised three dimensions of Pope Francis’s papacy: his deep spirituality, his unwavering commitment to serving others, and his passionate advocacy for the environment.

He also recounted personal memories of his meetings with Pope Francis that illustrated the Pope’s humility, such as his willingness to walk from his residence to synod meetings instead of using a vehicle, his accessibility to people of all walks of life, and his choice to live at Casa Santa Marta instead of the Papal Palace. Cardinal Ferrao added that the late pontiff was always a man of joy. “Even when he was frail and found it difficult to stand, he always had a beaming smile on his face”, he said.

Reflecting on the Pope’s apostolic exhortation 'Evangelii Gaudium' and encyclicals 'Fratelli Tutti' and 'Laudato Si’, the Cardinal highlighted Pope Francis’s vision of a Church that is merciful, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. “He dreamed of a church that listens, embraces, and respects everyone,” he noted.

“He was a man for others—his entire life was a gift of love and a call to serve,” Cardinal Ferrao stated. “Even in his final days, his hope was for peace in the world.”

Fr. Henry Falcão, Director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, served as the liturgical commentator for the Mass, while Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, led the liturgical animation. The liturgical music for the Mass was directed by Fr. Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

The liturgical celebration concluded with the singing of the Jubilee Year hymn, encapsulating the spirit of hope and renewal that the late pontiff championed throughout his papacy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Photos Courtesy: Fr. Barry Cardozo