Media Release
Pilar (Goa), Jan 17: The CRI (Goa) unit organized the 18th major superiors' meeting at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, themed Pilgrims of Hope on Synodal Pathway. The gathering brought together major superiors of various congregations serving in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão graced the occasion alongside Sr Bromadine Palokaran SCC, provincial superior of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, Pune Province, and Fr Nazareth Fernandes SFX, superior general of the Society of Pilar. The meeting commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp.
Sr Estevão Rodrigues OFM Cap, provincial superior of the Goa Province of the Capuchins, led the opening prayer, followed by Sr Fatima Rodrigues FMCK, mother general of the Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King, who read the Word of God. Sr Flory Rodrigues FMCK, president of CRI (Goa), extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants, while Sr Gracy Rodrigues FDCC introduced Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.
Sr Livia Nunes, secretary of CRI (Goa), presented the minutes of the previous year’s meeting, which were confirmed by the assembly.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the final document of the Second Session of the Synod, titled For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation & Mission. Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, president of CCBI, along with his team, led the discussion. The team included Sr Flory Rodrigues FMCK (The Heart of Synodality), Sr Ayres Raimondo (In the Boat Together), Fr Eugene D’Silva CSSR (Casting the Net), and Sr Flory Rodrigues FMCK (Abundant Fishing). Cardinal Ferrão introduced the topic and shared his personal experience from the Synod, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and the need for conversation which Pope Francis calls 'Synodal Conversation.'
Cardinal Ferrão, president of FABC, participated in both the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and 2024 in Rome. As a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, he contributed to drafting the Synod's final document. He stated, "The fundamental challenge of synodality is the need to change relationships—toward mutual respect, acceptance, and recognition of the dignity of every baptized disciple."
The Synodal journey, initiated in 2021, involved preparatory documents and extensive consultations at diocesan, national, and continental levels. These efforts culminated in a series of documents, including How to Be a Synodal Church in Mission and A Synodal Church in Mission.
Fr Pedro Rodrigues, provincial superior of the Society of Jesus, facilitated a spiritual conversation session during the meeting, encouraging reflection and dialogue. Fr Alan Noronha SFX and Fr Tony Salema addressed matters relating to education.
CRI (Goa) also extended birthday greetings to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Sr Faria Barretto HC, superior general of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ, delivered felicitations on behalf of CRI (Goa).
Bishop Simião Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, introduced Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year Spes Non Confundit. Sr Justina Vaz HC welcomed and introduced Bishop Simião, who spoke on the theme Jubilating Together in Our Archdiocese.
The meeting concluded with an overview of the day presented by Fr Joaquim Fernandes SVD, episcopal vicar for religious in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and Sr Audrey Dsouza FDCC, provincial superior of St Xavier’s Centre Province of the Canossians. Fr Michael Pereira SVD expressed heartfelt gratitude, while Sr Daisy Kunnathuparambil JMJ and Fr Clive Tellis SDB anchored the event. The gathering ended with a blessing from Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.