Holiness Is a Universal Call Rooted in Baptism, Says Cardinal Ferrão in Goa

Goa, February 23, 2026 — Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, reaffirmed that holiness is a universal vocation rooted in Baptism while presiding over a Eucharistic celebration to bless a new tabernacle at the Cloistered Carmelite Monastery, Chicalim.

The Archbishop concelebrated the Mass with Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery in Margao; Fr Patricio Fernandes SJ, Rector of the Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa; and several other priests.

Drawing from St. Paul’s teaching that God “has chosen us before the foundation of the world,” Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, stressed that holiness is not reserved for a select few but is a calling extended to every baptized Christian. Echoing the words of Mother Teresa, he said holiness “is not the privilege of a few; it is a call to everyone.”

Reflecting on the grace of Baptism, the Archbishop explained that believers are immersed into the death and resurrection of Christ and become a new creation. Through Baptism, he said, the faithful enter into a network of relationships — with God as beloved children, with Jesus as brothers and sisters, with the Holy Spirit as living temples, with one another as members of the Body of Christ, and with creation itself.

He noted that the authenticity of one’s relationship with Christ is measured by one’s relationship with others. Referring to the Gospel account of the Last Judgment, Cardinal Ferrão recalled Christ’s call to serve the hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned and marginalized, emphasizing that service to the least is service to Christ himself.

In the context of Lent, he urged the faithful to renew their relationship with God and with one another, cautioning that familiarity can sometimes lead to indifference within families and communities. Christians, he said, are especially called to care for the poor and the neglected.

Highlighting the Holy Eucharist as a source of spiritual strength, the Archbishop described the newly blessed tabernacle as a sign of Christ’s abiding presence among His people, inviting the faithful to turn to Him in moments of weariness and struggle.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Cardinal Ferrão expressed gratitude to the cloistered nuns for their hidden yet vital ministry of prayer, describing them as a spiritual “powerhouse” sustaining the Church’s mission amid growing challenges in India and around the world. He thanked the sisters for their sacrifices and intercession for the Church.

Sr Theresita OCD, Mother Prioress, conveyed her appreciation to the Archbishop, clergy, benefactors and all who contributed to the installation of the new tabernacle and the meaningful celebration.