Bishop Simião Administers Confirmation to 40 Young Faithful in Dramapur, Goa

Goa, 31 October 2025: Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated on 30 October at St. Joseph's Church Dramapur, where Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, administered the sacrament to forty young faithful. The solemn Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr. Pascoal Afonso, Parish Priest, and Fr. Diogo Proença, OCD.

Preaching on the theme “Let Us Become the Lights of Hope Through the Power of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Simião invited the confirmands and the congregation to be “bearers of hope in a world darkened by selfishness and indifference.”

“The Spirit of God empowers us to illuminate our families, our neighbourhoods, and all creation with the light of Christ,” he said.

Focusing first on the family, the Bishop emphasised that every act of goodness begins at home. Quoting Pope Francis, he reminded families to use three simple yet powerful words — ‘Thank you, 'Please,’ and ‘Sorry’ — and to strengthen family prayer, Scripture reflection, and mutual responsibility. “A Christian family,” he said, “is where holiness begins.”

Referring to the Jubilee Year 2025 and Pope Francis’ Bull Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), Bishop Simião urged the faithful to be “tangible signs of hope” to prisoners, the sick, the elderly, the poor, migrants, persons with disabilities, and youth in distress. “When we serve them through the power of the Holy Spirit, we truly become lights of hope,” he affirmed.

As Bishop Simião, who is also the Chairman of the CCBI Western Region Commission for Ecology, voiced concern for the degradation of creation, he remarked, “Hope for creation is slowly weakening.” Quoting Pope Francis, he added, “Creation is God’s gift to us; we are its stewards, not its predators.” Citing Genesis 1, he asked, “Looking at our world today, can we still say it is good?” and invited all to pray, “Lord, send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).

“The Holy Spirit will renew the earth through you,” he told the forty youngsters, “for you receive the gifts and fruits of the Spirit to bring hope to families, communities, and all creation.”

Congratulating the forty youngsters and their parents, the Bishop reminded them that faith formation continues beyond Confirmation. “Catechism continues throughout life,” he said, urging them to serve the Church through parish associations and movements. He also thanked the catechists on behalf of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão and himself.

The liturgy was animated by the catechists, with Wilma Antao as the liturgical commentator. The church choir led the congregation in uplifting hymns, while Fr. Pascoal Afonso expressed gratitude to the Bishop, concelebrants, catechists, the forty youngsters, and their parents.

Bishop Simião Administers Confirmation to 40 Young Faithful in Dramapur, Goa

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