Cardinal Ferrão Urges Religious Students to Walk, Build and Shepherd with Christ at Mater Dei Inauguration

OLD GOA, June 9, 2026: The inauguration of the new academic year at the Institute Mater Dei in Old Goa became a call to deeper discipleship as Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão encouraged religious women students and formators to embrace a Christ-centred life inspired by the Church’s synodal journey.

Addressing the academic community, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Institute’s motto, “Grow unto the Fullness of Christ,” linking it to the vision of synodality championed by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV. He emphasised that formation extends beyond academic achievement and must shape authentic disciples capable of accompanying others on their journey of faith.

At the centre of his address was a threefold challenge: “We are called to walk with Jesus, to build with Jesus, and to shepherd with Jesus.”

Reflecting on the call to walk with Christ, the Cardinal described Jesus as the perfect model of a synodal disciple, constantly journeying with people and inviting them to follow Him. Referring to the words of St. Paul, he noted that the ultimate goal of discipleship is to reach a profound union with Christ, where one's life becomes a reflection of His presence and mission. Such a relationship, he said, requires detachment from anything that hinders complete surrender to God.

Turning to the second challenge, Cardinal Ferrão urged the students to become builders with Christ. He described Jesus as the greatest builder, not of structures or institutions, but of people and communities. Citing Gospel accounts such as Zacchaeus and the woman caught in adultery, he highlighted how Christ transformed lives through compassion, forgiveness and personal encounter.

He encouraged those undergoing formation to adopt the same approach by listening attentively, accompanying others with patience, and fostering a spirit of appreciation and encouragement. The Church’s mission, he said, is not limited to educating minds but extends to transforming hearts through authentic relationships rooted in the Gospel.

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Speaking on shepherding, the Archbishop reminded the gathering that pastoral responsibility belongs to every baptised Christian. Through Baptism, he said, believers share in Christ’s mission and are called to nourish others through the Word of God, holy living and selfless service.

“We are called to be shepherds,” he affirmed, urging the students to make their lives a gift for others and to exercise leadership marked by care, compassion and commitment to the common good.

Cardinal Ferrão also described the Institute Mater Dei as a privileged space for learning and practising synodality, where students discover how to live, pray and journey together as one community of disciples rather than remaining confined within individual interests or institutional boundaries.

Concluding his address, he expressed hope that the new academic year would be a time of spiritual growth and renewal. He prayed that every member of the Mater Dei community would open their hearts to Christ and allow Him to guide them towards deeper discipleship and fuller participation in the Church’s mission.

The programme marked the beginning of a new academic year dedicated to formation, community life and the continued cultivation of leaders committed to serving the Church and society in a synodal spirit.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD