Cardinal Ferrão Calls Laity to Live Their Baptismal Mission as Witnesses of Christ

Goa, January 19, 2026:

Calling the lay faithful to rediscover their baptismal identity and missionary responsibility, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão urged Catholics to live as authentic witnesses of Christ in the world. He was preaching during the Eucharistic celebration marking the Diploma Day of the Theological and Pastoral Formation Course for the laity at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol.

Reflecting on the theme “Called, consecrated, and sent to be witnesses of Jesus,” the Cardinal highlighted the universal call to holiness and reminded the faithful that God’s call is never a privilege for the few but a mission entrusted to all. He noted that the gathering brought participants together “as one family,” united by faith and service.

Drawing from Sacred Scripture, Cardinal Ferrão explained that God’s call is always an expression of divine love and preference. “God does not choose the powerful,” he said, “but calls the weak and strengthens them through His grace.” This calling, he underlined, is first received in Baptism, through which every Christian is anointed, consecrated and sent to become light and witnesses of Christ in daily life.

Referring to Evangelii Gaudium of Pope Francis, the Cardinal recalled its opening words — “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus” — and stressed that genuine formation must lead to a personal encounter with Christ. Citing Gospel figures such as Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman and St. Paul, he observed that an encounter with Jesus always marks a turning point in life, because “before we think of God, God thinks of us.”

Quoting Jesus’ words, “You are the salt of the earth,” Cardinal Ferrão reminded the participants that Christian faith must transform both personal life and society. In the spirit of the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, he commissioned the newly formed faithful as missionary disciples, echoing the words of the Risen Lord: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

The Eucharistic celebration formed the central moment of the Diploma Day, concluding a 14-session formation programme attended by 142 participants and centred on the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Following the Mass, participants shared personal testimonies of faith, while Cardinal Ferrão congratulated them for their perseverance over thirteen Sundays of formation. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the participants and their families and expressed gratitude to the organisers and seminary staff.

On the occasion, the Cardinal also released LUCEAS, the annual magazine of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol.

Fr. Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Seminary, welcomed the gathering, seminarians presented a choral piece, and Fr. Ashley Alphonso, Spiritual Director and course coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Seminarian Aziel Alvares.

Cardinal Ferrão Calls Laity to Live Their Baptismal Mission as Witnesses of Christ

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