Cardinal Ferrão Releases "A Church on a Journey" by Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira

Goa, October 13, 2025: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão presented the book, "A Church on a Journey: The Archdiocese of Goa and its Governors" by Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira on 13 October, at St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The event celebrated Fr. Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop. The event was graced by ,the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman,Simião Fernandes;, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, Alex Dias SFX; and Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg, Alwyn Barretto. Published by New Age Printers, the book chronicles five centuries of the Archdiocese’s history. The launch featured reflections, hymns, and a call to preserve the Church’s legacy.

“A Labour of Love”

Cardinal Ferrão actively praised the book, stating, “a labor of love” and “a narrative of faith, leadership, and community that has journeyed for over five centuries.” He commended Fr. Pereira’s “discretion, grace, and quiet faithfulness” over three decades, noting that the book captures “the spirit of the times and the character of the bishops who shepherded the faithful through peace, growth, and transformation.” He highlighted their roles as builders, reformers, and visionaries.

“A Work of Great Love and Care”

Prof. Maria Isabel de Santa Rita Vás actively introduced the book, describing it as “a work of great love and care” and “an essential contribution to the study of the Church in Goa.” She praised Fr. Pereira’s 50 years of priestly ministry and 30 years at the Bishop’s House, emphasizing the book’s appeal to students and Goans as “beautifully illustrated, well-structured, and deeply researched.”

“Take Us into the World”

Fr. Pereira actively shared the book’s inspiration, stating, “Over time, they seemed to plead, ‘Take us into the world; let people know who we were.’ After years of their silent appeal, I finally responded—and this book is the result.” He concluded, “I am immensely glad I finally did it. Those 35 distinguished figures can now step down from the wall and meet readers and admirers,” reflecting on the archbishops’ compassionate and visionary contributions.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD 

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