'We Belong to Mother Mary,' Bishop Simião Tells Faithful at Mount Carmel Feast

Goa, July 16, 2026: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary must lead believers into a deeper and more faithful relationship with Jesus Christ, Bishop Simião Fernandes told the faithful during the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated at the Cloistered Carmel Monastery in Chicalim on July 16.

Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman reflected on the feast's theme, "Blessed Virgin Mary: A Model to Abide in Jesus," urging Christians to look to Mary as the perfect example of discipleship and unwavering fidelity to God's will.

"Mother Mary is our Mother; we belong to her. She becomes a model for us to abide in her Son Jesus and to remain faithful to our mission," Bishop Simião said in his homily.

Drawing from the Gospel, the bishop reflected on Jesus entrusting His Mother to the beloved disciple John from the Cross, describing the moment as the birth of Mary's universal motherhood. He said Mary continues to accompany the Church and every believer on the journey of faith as Mother of the Church.

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Recalling the Annunciation, Bishop Simião highlighted Mary's complete trust in God, her openness to His plan and her obedient response to His call. He encouraged the faithful to emulate her steadfast faith in their own Christian lives.

Explaining the significance of the title Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the bishop said it reminds believers that Mary belongs to them and they belong to her. "She protects us and takes care of us," he said, emphasising her loving maternal care for all who seek her intercession.

The bishop also reflected on the biblical symbolism of mountains as places of encounter with God. He called on families, parishes and Christian communities to become spiritual "mountains" where people experience God's presence through prayer, the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the sacraments.

Speaking on the meaning of Carmel, derived from Hebrew words meaning "God's Vineyard," Bishop Simião reminded the congregation that those who remain united with Christ are called to bear lasting spiritual fruit through lives marked by love, forgiveness and compassionate service, particularly towards the poor and those living on the margins of society.

Concluding his homily, the bishop urged the faithful to imitate Mary's humility, obedience and constant union with Christ as they continue the Church's mission of proclaiming the Gospel.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Camilo Dias, Fr. Siren Rebelo, SAC, and several other priests. At the conclusion of the Mass, Sr. Theresita, OCD, Prioress of the Cloistered Carmel Monastery, thanked the clergy, religious and faithful for participating in the feast celebration.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso