St. Joseph High School, Usgão Marks Silver Jubilee with Thanksgiving Eucharist

Goa, February 14, 2026 — St. Joseph High School, Usgão concluded its Silver Jubilee Year with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, commemorating 25 years of service in education and community formation.

The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, who reflected on the theme “Ignite Hope; Be the Spark,” urging the faithful to become visible witnesses of hope through lives of compassion and service.

In his homily, the Cardinal emphasized that Christ revealed the Father not only through words but through a life of love and self-giving. He expressed gratitude for what he described as God’s providential guidance over the institution’s 25-year journey, noting that divine grace had sustained students, families, and educators in their shared mission. Highlighting the Gospel call to forgiveness, he reminded the congregation that Christ’s compassion extended even to His enemies and found its fullest expression on the Cross. He called on families, schools, and communities to embody reconciliation and mercy in daily life.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Benson Colaço, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Usgão and Manager of the High School section; Fr. Felix Lobo, founder of the institution; along with several clergy from the region.

Addressing students and educators, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged them to cultivate a culture of care and service. He affirmed that hope is ignited when individuals commit themselves to compassion, generosity, and forgiveness in everyday interactions.

A commemorative programme followed the liturgy, during which the Cardinal delivered the keynote address. Speaking in his capacity as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, he emphasized that authentic education must inform, form, and transform. He called upon parents and teachers to recognize their vocation in nurturing the unique potential of each child and fostering ethical and spiritual values that contribute to a just society.

The celebration included the release of a Jubilee souvenir and the felicitation of former and present managers and heads of the institution. Headmistress Jessica Pereira presented the annual report, while Fr. Benson Colaço welcomed the gathering. Guilhermina Monteiro anchored the programme, and Fr. Valfern Barbosa delivered the vote of thanks.

Founded in 2000 by Fr. Felix Lobo with just twenty kindergarten students from migrant and underprivileged families, the school has grown into a recognized educational institution managed by the Diocesan Society of Education. Guided by a vision that integrates knowledge with wisdom, St. Joseph High School continues its commitment to value-based education accessible to all, regardless of background.

St. Joseph High School, Usgão Marks Silver Jubilee with Thanksgiving Eucharist

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