Faithful Gather in Old Goa for Bible Convention on the Eucharist

Old Goa, March 8, 2026: The Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised a day-long Bible Convention at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Retreat Centre, Cruz Milagres, bringing together clergy, religious and lay faithful for prayer, reflection and teaching on the theme, “The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life.”

The gathering began with a solemn enthronement of the Bible, setting a deeply prayerful atmosphere for the convention. Welcoming the participants, Fr. Mariano D’Costa, Director of the DCBA, invited the faithful to rediscover the richness of the Eucharist through Scripture and deepen their spiritual understanding of the Church’s central sacrament.

Delivering the keynote address, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes reflected on “The Eucharist as Source and Summit: Its Biblical Roots in the Old Testament.” He highlighted how several Old Testament events and symbols prepared the way for Christ’s gift of the Eucharist, helping the faithful appreciate the continuity between the Old Covenant and its fulfilment in Christ.

Fr. Macson Fernandes spoke on “Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: The Eucharist in the New Testament.” Drawing on key passages such as the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, the institution narratives of the Last Supper, the Emmaus encounter and St. Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians, he underlined the strong biblical foundation for the Church’s faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He encouraged the faithful to receive Holy Communion with reverence, nurture Eucharistic devotion in their families and pass on this faith to future generations. He also called for greater outreach in charity and dialogue with separated Christian brethren.

Reflecting on “Word and Eucharist: One Act of Worship,” Fr. Edson Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Cajetan’s Church, Assagão, emphasised the unity of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist within the celebration of the Mass. Referring to Acts 2:42, he noted that the early Christian community centred its life on apostolic teaching, fellowship, prayer and the breaking of bread.

Fr. Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone and Director of the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, spoke on “The Eucharist – At the Heart of the Church’s Life and Mission.” He described the Eucharist as the summary of the Christian journey and the Paschal Mystery, shaping believers to live lives marked by love, sacrifice and service.

The convention concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Mariano D’Costa. The programme was anchored by Ivy Ferrão, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Shuban DeSouza.

Faithful Gather in Old Goa for Bible Convention on the Eucharist

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