Media Release
Sancoale, Jan 17: “Our call is to proclaim the Gospel to all and become the apostles of hope,” said Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Bishop Simião was delivering a homily on the theme, ‘St Joseph Vaz, a model to be a zealous evangelizers of the Gospel of Hope’. Bishop Simião Fernandes called the faithful to become true apostles of hope by proclaiming the Gospel in every aspect of their lives: within families, in society, and towards nature. He emphasizes that by living out the values of the Gospel in these areas, we can bring hope to others and inspire change.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman presided over the Eucharistic celebration on the feast day of St Joseph Vaz, patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated at the site of the old Church of Our Lady of Health, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale.
St Joseph Vaz wrote a letter of Bondage to Mother Mary at this church on August 5,1677. St Joseph Vaz is a Goan saint, canonized on January 14, 2015 by Pope Francis.
Bishop Simião Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of Goa and Daman Bishop Alex Dias, (Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair), Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Coutts, (Archbishop-Emeritus of Karachi), Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes, (Vicar General of the Archdiocese) Fr Bonnie Mendes (Karachi Archdiocese), Fr Anthony Figueiredo (Assisi Diocese), Fr Valerian Vaz, (Rector of Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao), Fr Kenneth Teles, (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Sancoale and Rector of St Joseph Vaz Sanctuary), deacon Sheldon D’Souza, deacon Jason Travasso and 56 priests concelebrated.
Bishop Simião highlights the importance of cultivating a spirit of gratitude, humility, and respect in our homes. He reminded the faithful of Pope Francis who said that simple words like "Thank you," "Sorry," and "Please" carry the power to transform relationships. By praying together and reading the Word of God, families can grow stronger in faith and more united in love. He pointed to the example of St Joseph Vaz, who instilled the values of the Gospel within families, fostering a deep sense of love and care.
“As social beings, we are called to bring hope to our communities,” he said. The bishop echoed Pope Francis’ call to all to be tangible signs of hope, especially to those who are most vulnerable—migrants, people with disabilities, prisoners, the elderly, and youth suffering from various forms of abuse. "When we show concern for others, do good to those in need, and proclaim the Gospel, we become apostles of hope," said Bishop Simião. He also emphasizes that St Joseph Vaz exemplified this by proclaiming the Gospel to all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
“The care for creation is another essential part of our calling. Ecology is not just a modern concern but a divine responsibility. As Pope Francis teaches, ‘Creation is God’s gift to us, and we are its stewards. Do not prey upon it’. We must preserve and protect the environment for future generations,” he said. The bishop expressed his concern about the ongoing destruction of nature in the name of development—polluted rivers, deforestation, and environmental degradation. "If we do not become the proclaimers of the Gospel to nature, we may not save it for our future generations," he said.
To fulfill this mission, Bishop Simião reminded, “We must engage in the work of proclaiming the Gospel with participation from all, courage in the face of challenges, and a deep trust in God’s providence. Only then can we truly become apostles of hope and spread the message of Christ in the society.”
“This year, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the canonization of St Joseph Vaz, we are filled with gratitude and joy, especially as this celebration coincides with the Jubilee Year," said Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão at the concluding of the Eucharistic celebration. "Over the past decade, we have witnessed a growing devotion to St Joseph Vaz among our faithful, and we thank God for this grace."
Reflecting on the challenges faced in organizing this feast, Cardinal Ferrão noted, "Though difficulties arose, we overcame them through our trust in God and the support of people of goodwill. We are profoundly grateful to God and to all who extended their help during this time."
He continued, "St Joseph Vaz himself endured many challenges and hardships. With unwavering trust in God and deep faith, he confronted them courageously. His life inspires us to approach these difficulties with the same faith and trust, knowing that God will guide us to resolve them peacefully."
"St Joseph Vaz worked with people of different faiths and cultures in a spirit of understanding and harmony. He calls us to emulate his example by becoming instruments of peace and unity, spreading the light of hope in our society," concluded Cardinal Ferrão.
Other masses on the feast day were celebrated by Fr Onasis Dcruz (Assistant to the director, St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa), Fr Tomas Lobo (Episcopal Vicar, North Zone), Fr Polly Lobo (Parish Priest, St Alex Church, Calangute), Fr George Ratos (Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception Church, Paroda), Fr Reagan Fernandes (Prefect of Discipline, Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne) and Fr Hilary Fernandes Sfx. Mass in the oratory room of St Joseph Vaz was also celebrated by Fr Cruzbert Colaco Sfx.
Deanery wise Masses, Mass for the sick and the elderly and mass in Hindi were also held during the days of Novena.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão welcomed the concelebrants and the faithful. Sr. Hilda Lopes Sfn was the liturgical commentator while Fr Afonso Mendonça, director of Diocesan Liturgical Centre made the liturgical arrangement. Clifford Pereira led the liturgical choir with his choir members. Fr Kenneth Teles, thanked all specially to those who helped in organising this feast.