Old Goa: The annual Chrism Mass of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was celebrated by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias, Vicar General Jose Remedious Fernandes, and priest representatives from across the Archdiocese, at Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa at 10 am on 10th April 2025. The main objective of the Chrism Mass is to express more clearly the presbyterial communion of the priests with their bishop and to bless the Holy Oils.
Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, in his homily, highlighted three qualities a priest should possess while fulfilling their ministry. These were: Availability—just as Jesus made himself available to the people, priests too must be available to their flock in times of need; Humility—just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, priests should serve humbly and avoid clericalism; and Inclusivity—priests must reach out to all under their care and provide opportunities to as many as possible, especially those who have been marginalized in society.
He also invited the congregation to pray for all priests and deacons of the Archdiocese and especially for Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, who celebrated the anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
The Chrism Mass holds special significance as the bishop expresses his bond with the priests and all the faithful during the celebration. The priests, in turn, renew their commitment to work under the fatherly guidance of the bishop, who requests their prayers to help him reflect the life of Christ. This unique celebration unites the bishop, all priests of the Archdiocese, and the faithful they serve.
During the Mass, the bishop also blessed the Holy Oils—namely, the Oil of Catechumens (Oleum Catechumenorum), the Oil of the Sick (Oleum Infirmorum), and the Holy Chrism Oil (Sacrum Chrisma).
The Chrism Mass concluded with the release of the Pastoral Diary for the coming year by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias, Vicar General Jose Remedious Fernandes, and Pastoral Secretariat Executive Secretary Fr. Leo Fernandes. The diary, which outlines the schedule for major events in the Archdiocese, was prepared under the direction of the Pastoral Secretariat.
