Cardinal Ferrão Urges Religious Superiors to Foster a Christ-Centred Synodal Church

Old Goa, July 5: The Archbishop of Goa, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão has called on religious superiors to deepen their commitment to synodality by building a Christ-centred, collaborative and mission-oriented Church rooted in a personal encounter with Christ.

Addressing the annual meeting of the Goa Unit of the Conference of Religious India at the Institute Mater Dei on July 5, the Cardinal reflected on the Church's ongoing implementation of the Synod and urged religious congregations to play an active role in translating its vision into pastoral action.

Referring to the current implementation phase of the Synod, Cardinal Ferrão explained that the year has been dedicated to putting the synodal spirit into practice across local Churches before evaluations are undertaken at diocesan, national, continental and universal levels, culminating in the Ecclesial Assembly in 2028. He noted that the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has identified five priority sectors for implementation—clergy, religious, laity, youth and formation houses—while the CRI Goa Unit has adopted three concrete synodal initiatives.

The Cardinal also outlined the Archdiocese's preparations for two landmark celebrations in 2033: the Great Jubilee of the Redemption and the fifth centenary of the erection of the Diocese of Goa. He announced that a revised pastoral plan, prepared after extensive consultations across the Archdiocese, will be promulgated on January 16, 2027.

Describing synodality as "a way of being Church" rather than simply a pastoral programme, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Gospel encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, observing that a genuine encounter with Christ transforms both individuals and communities.

Drawing inspiration from the Archdiocese's pastoral theme, "Abide in Me" (John 15:4), he said that a Christ-centred life is sustained through Sacred Scripture, ongoing faith formation and the Eucharist. He encouraged priests and religious to cultivate healthy relationships, teamwork and greater collaboration among congregations, emphasising that every ministry participates in the Church's one mission.

Highlighting the importance of vocational discernment, the Cardinal reminded vocation promoters that vocations are gifts from God and should be nurtured by helping candidates seek God's will rather than institutional interests. He also called for greater collaboration in ministries including youth apostolate, catechesis, prison ministry, outreach to the poor and marginalised, ecological initiatives, care for senior citizens and widows, and promoting civil service careers among Catholic youth.

Concluding his address, Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, referred to Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He said humanity stands at a crossroads between constructing "a Tower of Babel without God" and rebuilding society through prayer, discernment, consultation and collaboration, inspired by the biblical example of Nehemiah.

The meeting concluded with a Thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, followed by a fellowship meal.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso