Cardinal Ferrão Releases Book on Sacraments and Call to Holiness

Panaji, Goa, September 2, 2026: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão on Wednesday released Understanding the Sacraments: To Become Holy (Sonvskar Somzun Gheum-ia Povitrponn Apnnaum-ia), a bilingual English-Konkani book by Fr. Tony S. Fernandes SFX, at Bishop’s House in Panaji.

The book seeks to deepen Catholics’ understanding of the sacraments and their role in the Christian journey towards holiness.

Speaking at the release, Cardinal Ferrão said the call to holiness is extended by God to every baptised follower of Jesus Christ. Referring to St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, he recalled that God has chosen believers to be “holy and blameless” before him.

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Describing the sacraments as a treasure entrusted to the Church by Jesus Christ, the Cardinal said they are privileged means through which Christians grow in holiness. He noted that the sacraments not only help individuals advance in holiness but also enable them to foster an environment of holiness in their families, workplaces and communities.

Cardinal Ferrão expressed hope that Fr. Tony’s book would help readers recognise their call to holiness, encourage them to pursue it daily and inspire them to support one another in the journey.

Fr. Tony said the book was prompted by his observation that many Catholics have limited understanding of the sacraments they receive and their significance in Christian life.

He recalled instances in which candidates preparing for Confirmation were unable to explain the meaning and purpose of the sacrament. Such experiences, he said, underscored the need to help the faithful understand the sacraments, the grace they confer and their connection with the Christian call to holiness.

Fr. Tony said he hoped the book would help Catholics encounter the Risen Lord, participate more meaningfully in the sacramental life of the Church, grow in holiness and become increasingly Christ-like. He added that the book could also serve as a resource for catechists and those engaged in faith formation.

Published by the Xavierian Publication Society, Pilar, the book carries the Imprimatur of Cardinal Ferrão. Fr. Aleixo Menezes, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Cuncolim, and Censor Deputatus for the publication, wrote the introduction, in which he highlighted Fr. Tony’s contribution to the field of liturgy.

Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop, and Fr. Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar, attended the release ceremony. Fr. Tony proposed the vote of thanks.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso