Cardinal Ferrão Calls for Prayerful Discernment Toward a New Diocesan Pastoral Plan in Goa

Goa, Nov 26, 2025: Addressing the Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão opened his Pastoral Letter by expressing “hope” as he introduced the New Diocesan Pastoral Plan in the context of the Fifth Centenary Celebration of the Erection of the See of Goa. The letter was issued in Goa on November 10, the memorial of St. Leo the Great.

Recalling that the Church has been reflecting on the Jubilee Year theme, “Hope does not disappoint us,” Cardinal Ferrão expressed joy over the efforts being made to nurture hope and safeguard “our common home.” He highlighted the great gift of the Synod 2021–2024, given to the Church “of revered memory” by Pope Francis, noting that the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly now calls each local Church to implement its proposals. This, he affirmed, must unfold within the Archdiocese in ways that deepen communion, participation, and mission.

Purpose of the Letter

The Cardinal Ferrão explained that, after broad consultation, a New Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be prepared. He appealed to all members of the Church in Goa and Daman to participate actively and to pray earnestly for this process, posing the central question: “Where is God calling the Church in this Archdiocese to be by 2033?” He added that this journey requires attentive listening—to God, to one another, and to the cry of the earth.

Gratitude for the 2002 Diocesan Pastoral Plan

Expressing deep appreciation for the Pastoral Plan of 2002, Cardinal Ferrão, who is the President of FABC and CCBI, highlighted how it guided diocesan life for twenty-three years as a “vibrant Communion of Communities.” He acknowledged the valuable contributions of Parish Pastoral Councils, Small Christian Communities, diocesan centres, and various apostolates that faithfully worked to fulfil its vision and objectives.

Six Key Realities Motivating Renewal

The Cardinal identified six ecclesial and  socio-political realities calling the Archdiocese to discern, renew, and move forward. 

1. Great Jubilee of Redemption 2033

The Church prepares for the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. The Cardinal stressed the need for missionary conversion and the formation of “a people for missionary discipleship,” as urged by the Synod.

2. Implementation of the Synodal Proposals and the Ecclesial Assembly 2028

The coming phase must touch diocesan structures and practices so that the Church becomes more participatory, co-responsible, and authentically synodal.

3. Asian Reality and the Bangkok Document

He highlighted the urgency of dialogue and collaboration in Asia’s rapidly changing context, referring to the six priorities articulated by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences: 1) Formation in synodal spirituality at all levels; 2) Inclusivity and Hospitality; 3) Forming Missionary Disciples; 4) Accountability and Transparency; 5) Prayer and Worship; 6) Environment.

4. CCBI Pastoral Plan: Mission 2033

India’s bishops call the Church nationwide to journey toward the Great Jubilee through structural renewal and vibrant participation. The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is already aligning its bodies and commissions with this direction.

5. The Fifth Centenary Celebration of the Erection of the See of Goa

Cardinal Ferrão recalled the 500-year legacy of the Church in Goa, established as a Diocese in 1533, which developed into “a vibrant centre of missionary activity in Asia.” He highlighted the historical confluence of East and West, the missionary zeal of St. Francis Xavier and countless evangelizers, the spiritual heritage preserved in the sacred relics of the Gõycho Saib, and the witness of St. Joseph Vaz, Patron and “son of her womb.” He described the Centenary as a moment of grace to “reflect on our glorious past, treasure the present, and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say for the future of this Local Church.” The celebration becomes a central pillar of the New Pastoral Plan, uniting history, identity, mission, and hope.

6. Changed Socio-Political Realities in Goa

“The socio-political realities in Goa have undergone a drastic change in the last few decades,” the Cardinal said. He expressed concern over rising communal tensions, unemployment, environmental degradation, and educational challenges. He noted further that “the rising influx of migrant population from other States of India and the migration of the local population to other countries have brought about a major change in the demographic set-up of Goa.” These realities, he said, must be addressed with courage and fidelity to Gospel values.

Cardinal Ferrão concluded by affirming that the New Pastoral Plan is fundamentally a spiritual journey, much like the disciples’ walk to Emmaus, a journey of renewed purpose, faith, and clarity. “Only the Risen Master can warm our hearts and illumine our minds,” he said. He entrusted the entire process to Our Lady and invoked the intercession of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz, extending his blessings for a holy Advent, a joyful Christmas, and a grace-filled New Year 2026.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD