Cardinal Ferrão Urges Seminarians to ‘Abide in Christ’ at Rachol Seminary’s New Formative Year Inauguration

Goa, July 3, 2026: Calling future priests to remain deeply rooted in Christ and become courageous witnesses of the Gospel, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman inaugurated the Formative Year 2026–2027 at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol during a solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

The inauguration was marked by the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for four seminarians and the formal welcome of seven new entrants to the First Year of Philosophy.

Preaching on the theme, “Abide in Christ, Be His Mission,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the significance of inaugurating the new formative year alongside the Church's celebration of the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Drawing inspiration from the conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle and the witness of St. Thomas, he said both saints became fearless missionaries because they encountered the Risen Christ and remained firmly rooted in Him.

The Cardinal reminded the congregation that every Christian's missionary vocation begins at Baptism. He outlined the Church's threefold mission: the prophetic mission of proclaiming and living God's Word, the priestly mission of fostering communion with Christ and unity within the Church, and the pastoral mission of serving the poor, the oppressed and those on the peripheries. He encouraged the seminarians to persevere in their relationship with Christ and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

The Eucharistic Celebration began with a welcome by Fr. Jonas D'Souza, Professor of Philosophy, who greeted the Archbishop, clergy, religious, seminarians and the faithful. Following the Mass, Cardinal Ferrão blessed the seminary's paddy field before the commencement of paddy transplantation.

The inaugural programme featured an orchestral performance by the seminarians, after which Rector Fr. Donato Rodrigues delivered the welcome address. A highlight of the event was the Lectio Brevis, Mater Populi Fidelis, delivered by Fr. George Dias, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rachol. The programme also included a choral presentation of Bobby Shaftoe by the Santa Cecilia Choir of the seminary under the direction of Fr. Mathew Rebello.

In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, thanked the outgoing seminary staff and welcomed the newly appointed formators and seminarians.

Reflecting on the Church's ongoing synodal journey, he described synodality as a way of living in communion with Christ, walking together and sharing in His mission. Referring to the Gospel account of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, he said that a genuine encounter with Christ transforms relationships and enables Christians to become instruments of communion.

Referring to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Theme, “Abide in Christ,” the Cardinal explained its three pillars: Rootedness in Faith, Formation in Faith and Celebration of Faith. Authentic Christian life, he said, must be nourished by the Word of God, sustained through ongoing formation and celebrated in the liturgy and community.

Cardinal Ferrão encouraged the seminarians to study Magnifica Humanitas, the recent encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, which focuses on placing Artificial Intelligence at the service of humanity while safeguarding human dignity.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Seminarian Andrew Raju of the Third Year of Theology, followed by the singing of the Seminary Anthem, marking the formal inauguration of the Formative Year 2026–2027 at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol.

By Fr. Ashley Alphonso