Feast of Our Lady of Pilar Celebrated in Goa

Goa, October 13, 2025: The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Society of Pilar, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Pilar, their Patroness, with devotion and missionary zeal on 12 October at Pilar, Goa. The event featured a Eucharistic celebration and reflections on faith and mission. Members of the Society, including clergy and scholastics, participated. The celebration occurred at the Pilar Monastery, with a focus on prayer, community, and renewal. The liturgy included a homily, the release of the Konkani Bible Diary 2026, and expressions of gratitude.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Peter Soares, SFX, a veteran missionary from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who delivered a homily on the theme “Our Lady of Pilar: A Pillar of Strength, Hope to the Missionaries.” He reflected on St. James the Apostle’s encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who appeared on a pillar, strengthening his mission.

Fr. Soares noted that Spanish missionaries named the Pilar hillock in Goa in her honour, making it a centre of mission. He shared, “Mother Mary’s hand guided my entry into the Pilar Society, forming us into the image of her Son.” He described the Society’s formation as a journey of being “formed, reformed, transformed, and transfigured into Christ,” emphasising the Rosary’s role in connecting members to Our Lady of Pilar’s guidance.

Fr. Soares paid tribute to past missionaries as “pillars of faith and compassion,” urging members to continue their legacy as “stone-throw missionaries,” fostering faith and interfaith friendships. The Konkani Bible Diary 2026 was released by Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, SFX, Superior General.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

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