Doha: Archbishop of Goa Visits Our Lady of Rosary Church
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 2: Our Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar and the Konkani Speaking community of Qatar were blessed and privileged to have Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman amidst them. Archbishop Filipe while returning from Rome after attending a Bishop's Synod there, on his transit arrived Qatar on October 31 and spent 3 days as he wanted to meet the Konkani community in Qatar in particular Goan community.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão was ordained as Bishop on April 10, 1994 and on March 21, 2004 he was installed as Archbishop of Goa and Daman by the Apostolic Nuncio in India Dr Pedro Lopex Quintana. He is a multi linguist and speaks Konkani, English, Portuguese, Italian, French and German. He is very friendly person and is very much appreciated by all Goans for his wonderful preaching as his messages are really touching one's heart.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão celebrated the Konkani mass on November 2 on All Souls Day for the Konkani community people along with spiritual director Fr Anand Castelino, OFM Cap. During the mass, he gave a very nice message on death being All Souls day and how one has to prepare and welcome his death. He explained meaning of death as we bid farewell to our near ones when they part from us, there is no need to worry as Jesus is ready to welcome them in heavenly abode with his open arms. His message was strong and has touched many hearts. Being First Friday, mass concluded with short Benediction of the Holy Eucharist and blessing from Archbishop Filipe. This mass was attended by a large number of Konkani speaking people.
Thereafter, a short felicitation program along with cultural program was arranged in honour of Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão. Small children performed a beautiful welcome dance to welcome him and greeted him. Fr Anand then on behalf of Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) presented him with a memento in remembrance of his visit. Peter Camillo sang a song on our Lady of Rosary chuch which was well received and appreciated by all. Carmen Correia, another active lady sung a beautiful song followed by a folk dance of Goa presented by young girls and boys. Young girls also presented a solo number followed by a portuguese dance. Gill Cardozo representing the community presented him a gift as a token of love and appreciation for his visit.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão then delivered a wonderful message where he expressed his appreciation seeing the people's devotion and asked people of Goa, Mangalore, Karwar and neighbouring Konkan regions to continue to grow in faith following the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier, Blessed Joseph who went from Goa to Sri Lanka to spread the good news. KSC Secretary elegant Riana Pinto then delivered a vote of thanks. Neri Alphonso was the compere for the program. Snacks and juices were distributed to all.
On October 31, he concelebrated a mass with Fr Selvarai and Fr Anand at the Grotto in honour of Mother Mary being the last day of Rosary month. This was followed by a rosary in procession by the faithful along with Mother Mary Statue. Archbishop Filipe joined the procession too.
Then a small get-together was arranged for Konkani community with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão so that people could meet and greet with him which was followed by dinner. Many goans grabbed this opportunity to meet Archbishop Filipe and seek his blessings.