Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Calls Young Missionaries to ‘Stand Together in Synodality’

Benaulim, Goa, March 25, 2026 — Emphasising unity, shared responsibility, and active participation in the Church’s mission, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão called on young Catholics to “stand together in synodality” during a Eucharistic celebration at the CCBI Extension Secretariat in Benaulim.

The Cardinal was addressing participants of the Communio Missionary Volunteers Training Programme (Batch IV) at Shanti Sadan on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his homily, he presented synodality as a lived experience rooted in communion, participation, and mission, urging young missionaries to ground their vocation in surrender to God’s will.

Drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, he reflected on her “yes” as a model of discipleship marked by humility, obedience, openness, and deep faith. He encouraged the volunteers to embody these virtues, noting that authentic missionary life begins with trust in God and a readiness to serve.

Expanding on the concept of Communio, Cardinal Ferrão stressed the call to solidarity, inviting the youth to become “one” with their brothers and sisters. He underlined that communion finds expression through love, shared responsibility, and outreach, echoing Christ’s call to unity within the Church.

The Cardinal also highlighted the need for the Church to move beyond forming missionary disciples to becoming witnessing disciples—those who reflect Christ in daily life. Encouraging simple yet meaningful actions, he urged participants to contribute even “one drop” of joy, peace, humility, and forgiveness, affirming that such gestures can bring about lasting transformation.

Quoting Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi, he reiterated that small acts of love and peace possess the power to effect profound change in society.

During an interactive session that followed, the young volunteers engaged the Cardinal on questions related to faith, leadership, mission, and the role of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. In response, he underscored the importance of effective pastoral implementation, unity in diversity, and increased participation of youth and lay missionaries in the life of the Church.

Reflecting on the evolving role of the Church in India, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged young people to lead with courage and creativity while remaining firmly rooted in faith. He noted that evangelisation today calls for witnessing Christ through life, dialogue, and service.

The encounter concluded with a renewed vision of a united and missionary Church, where communion is expressed through solidarity and active participation. For the young volunteers, the gathering marked a significant moment of formation, deepening their commitment to serve as credible witnesses of Christ in contemporary society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter