Panaji: The Third death anniversary of Archbishop emeritus Raul Nicolau Gonsalves was commemorated with a Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral Church, Old Goa on 5th July at 4pm. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao presided over the celebration, which was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias, priests, religious and attended by lay faithful of the Archdiocese.
In his homily Bishop Simiao stressing on the moto of Archbishop Raul ” called to serve and not to be served” emphasised: that we need to have a heart of Service like Christ, that we need to embrace the wounded and reach out to them, that we need to value each other and respect everyone and that we need to have an attitude of humility. He recalled how Bishop Raul in his life tried to be of service to the Church and the Faithful. He also recalled that he, being a member of the committee for migrants in Rome, contributed towards this cause in his own way. He exhorted that as followers of Christ we need to have this attitude of service and humility.
Archbishop Patriarch Raul Gonsalves was born in Bambolim on 15/061927 and died on 1/7/2022. He was Archbishop of Goa and Daman for more than 25 years.
Finally before the blessing the Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao thanked everyone for gathering together to pray for Bishop Raul who had dedicated his life for the faithful of this Archdiocese.
The prayers on the grave were led by Bishop Simiao and Bishop Alex .
