Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Marks Jubilee of Migrants

Goa, October 25, 2025 — The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Jubilee of Migrants on Sunday, October 19, at St. Ann’s Church, Ponda. The event, organised by the Diocesan Commission for Migrants (DCM) in collaboration with parish priests and parishioners, invited migrants to renew their spirit of hope, entrust their struggles to the Lord, and share that hope as “pilgrims and missionaries of hope.”

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Carlos Dias OFM Chaplain of Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda, and concelebrated by Fr. Francis Rosario Parish Priest of St Anne's Church Ponda. Drawing from the Book of Genesis, Fr. Rosario reminded the congregation that life begins in the mother’s womb and that the breath of life is God’s own gift. He affirmed that God, the creator and sustainer of humanity, formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed His Spirit into him. He encouraged the faithful to live joyfully and return to God “smiling,” having lived a life grounded in faith and love.

Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:13, he urged all present to embrace the ways of God over worldly desires, cultivating faith, hope, and love as the foundation of their spiritual journey.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr. Hemant Xess, OFM, along with Fr. Donato Rodrigues, Convenor of the DCM, and members Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, and Fr. Elroy da Gama. Migrants from across Goa’s North, Central, and South zones participated actively in the liturgy, symbolising unity in faith.

Following the Mass, the Jubilee programme unfolded with a lively cultural segment featuring a welcome song and dance. The traditional lighting of the lamp symbolised the spirit of hope and renewal.

Ms. Feliza Goes delivered an informative talk on the rights and welfare of migrant workers. She explained various government schemes, including those from the Labour Department such as the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Scheme, the e-Shram portal, and social security initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY), Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-Maandhan), and Atal Pension Yojana.

She also highlighted health-related schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY). Through an interactive exercise, participants assessed their income and expenses, learning ways to save by avoiding vices such as alcohol and tobacco. The session stressed good health, family bonding, and financial discipline as key to a stable future.

Mr. Custodio Dias led engaging games that built camaraderie and joy, while parishioners served a hearty lunch, strengthening bonds of friendship and faith.

The event was coordinated by Ms. Elizabeth Coelho, DCM member, and compered by Mr. Blasius Kullu.

The celebration concluded with gratitude and renewed determination among migrants to continue their journey as “pilgrims of hope” in the Jubilee Year 2025.

Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Marks Jubilee of Migrants

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