Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Blesses New Tabernacle at Chicalim Cloistered Convent, Goa
At a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the Cloistered Carmelite Monastery, Chicalim, Goa, Most Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, blessed the new tabernacle and highlighted the profound spiritual significance of the occasion, describing the cloistered community as the spiritual “powerhouse” at the heart of the Church’s life and mission. Expressing deep gratitude for their hidden yet powerful ministry of prayer, he said that through their praise, sacrifice, and constant intercession, they sustain the Church in her saving mission amid ever-growing challenges in the country and across the world.

The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, Fr Patricio Fernandes SJ, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa, Fr Siran Rebello SAC, Superior of Pallotti Home, Chicalim, and several other priests.

In his homily during the Eucharistic Celebration, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the faithful that the call to holiness is universal and rooted in Baptism. The Cardinal, who serves as President of CCBI and FABC, echoed the words of Mother St Teresa of Calcutta, in saying that holiness is “not the privilege of a few; it is a call to everyone.” Reflecting on the grace of Baptism, he explained that the faithful are immersed into the death and resurrection of Christ and “put on Christ,” becoming a new creation. Through Baptism, he said, believers enter into a “web of relationships” — with God as beloved children, with Jesus as brothers and sisters, with the Holy Spirit as living temples, with one another as members of the Body of Christ, and even with creation itself.

The Archbishop noted that the authenticity of one’s relationship with Christ is measured by one’s relationship with others. Referring to the Gospel account of the Last Judgment (Mt 25), he recalled Jesus’ words about feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned, stressing that “whatever you did to the least, the last, and the lost, you did to me.” In the context of Lent, he urged the faithful to renew their relationship with God and with one another, warning that familiarity can sometimes breed indifference within families and communities. Christians, he said, are called especially to care for the poor, the neglected, and the marginalized.

Highlighting the Holy Eucharist as a powerful spiritual means, he said that Christ strengthens His people through His Word and by becoming their spiritual food. Referring to the blessing of the new tabernacle, he described it as a reminder that the Lord remains among His people in His real presence, inviting them to turn to Him in moments of weariness and struggle.

Sr. Theresita OCD, Mother Prioress, expressed her gratitude to the Archbishop, the clergy, benefactors, and all those who contributed to the installation of the new tabernacle and to the meaningful celebration.