Three Priests Installed as Canons at Sé Cathedral, Old Goa

Goa, March 31, 2026 — In a solemn and grace-filled liturgical celebration, three priests of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman were installed as Canons of the Cathedral Chapter at the historic Sé Cathedral on March 30. The rite was presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, who also celebrated the Eucharist that followed.

Fr. Leonardo Caetano Antonio Pegado e Souza, Fr. Walter Benigno de Sa, and Fr. Antonio Francisco Salema were formally conferred the title of Canons, marking their inclusion in the Cathedral Chapter, a body entrusted with supporting the Archbishop in the life and mission of the local Church.

In his homily, reflecting on the Gospel of John (Jn 12:1–12), Cardinal Ferrão drew attention to the witness of Mary of Bethany as a model of authentic Christian love. He outlined three essential dimensions of such love—generosity expressed through self-giving, humility rooted in reverence and service, and selflessness marked by total offering without expectation of return. He invited the faithful to embody these values in their daily Christian living.

The Cardinal further reflected on contrasting attitudes present in the Gospel narrative: the appreciative gaze of Christ, who recognises goodness; the critical and self-serving approach of Judas; and the hostility of those who opposed Jesus. He urged the faithful to cultivate the mind and heart of Christ by choosing compassion over criticism and by seeking the good in others.

Congratulating the newly installed Canons, Cardinal Ferrão called them to a ministry characterised by fidelity, service, and ecclesial communion, in keeping with their new responsibility within the Church.

The ceremony was marked by active participation of clergy and laity. Fr. Onasis D’Cruz served as commentator, while Canon Rosario Oliveira, Secretary of the Cathedral Chapter, read the official decree of appointment issued by the Archbishop. The liturgy was enriched by the choir of Sé Cathedral.

Speaking on behalf of the newly installed Canons, Canon Leonardo Pegado e Souza expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and acknowledged the responsibility of their new role in serving the Church. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Canon Alfred Vaz, President of the Cathedral Chapter of Goa, who appreciated the efforts of all who contributed to the solemnity of the occasion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter