Uguem Chapel Elevated to 176th Parish of Goa Archdiocese

Uguem, Goa, October 20, 2026: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman has elevated the Chapel of Our Lady of Piety in Uguem to parish status, making it the 176th parish of the archdiocese and the fifth parish dedicated to Our Lady of Piety.

Cardinal Ferrão presided over the Eucharistic celebration marking the occasion, concelebrated by priests, religious and members of the local Catholic community.

Among the concelebrants were Fr. Romeo Monteiro, chancellor of the archdiocese; Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, SFX, superior general of the Society of Pilar; Fr. Joaquim Rebelo, SFX, provincial superior of its Goa Province; and Fr. Ivo Fernandes, SFX, the chapel’s chaplain, who has been appointed the first parish priest.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão described the Church as a living community of followers of Jesus Christ rather than merely a building or institution. He outlined three priorities for the new parish: deepening faith, fostering communion and fellowship, and continuing Christ’s work.

He encouraged parishioners to strengthen their faith through prayer, Scripture and the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. He also stressed the importance of unity, care for those in need and respectful relationships with people of other faiths. Presenting Our Lady of Piety as a model of faith and discipleship, he urged the community to build a vibrant parish rooted in Christian values.

Fr. Monteiro read the decree formally erecting the parish, followed by the reading and signing of the minutes. The appointment documents of Fr. Ivo Fernandes as parish priest were also read and signed.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Rebelo said the elevation reflected the community’s growth in faith and years of prayer and sacrifice. He thanked Cardinal Ferrão and encouraged parishioners to make the new parish a place of prayer, unity and service.

The celebration also honoured priests who had served the chapel over the years. Fr. Francis Carvalho, SFX, the chapel’s first priest, was felicitated on the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Founded in 1828 by the Sociedade Patriótica dos Baldios das Novas Conquistas de Uguem, the chapel was dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Piedade, or Our Lady of Piety. In 1951, Fr. Aureliano Rodrigues, SFX, became the first priest of the Society of Pilar to reside in Uguem. Since then, priests of the society have continued to serve the community.

The elevation marks a new chapter in the history of the 198-year-old chapel, now a parish under the leadership of Fr. Ivo Fernandes, SFX.

By Br Malvino Alfonso OCD 

Image credit by Evaristo Sequeira