India News

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Goa, May 18 : The newly constructed church building at Sadolxem in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was inaugurated and dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary, by the Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on 15th May 2024. The Rite of dedication took place during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Cardinal Ferrão. Fr Lucio Dias( Episcopal Vicar for South Zone), Fr Patrick Luis ( Dean of Canacona Deanery), Fr Dominic Sequeira ( Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Sadolxem), Fr Anil Kumar ( Former Parish Priest), Fr Roque Dcosta ( Former Parish Priest), Fr George Ratos (Parish Priest of Paroda Church), Fr Mariano Silveira ( Parish Priest of Tivim Church) and Fr Domaciano Carvalho (Parish Priest of Sao Jose De Areal Church) and several other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.

The new building has been constituted into a church dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary, and given the status of a ‘Parish Church’ by the Decree CP-Decr/117/2024. The decree of Erection was read by Fr Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone.

Cardinal Ferrao along with the Parish Priest Fr. Dominic Sequeira inaugurating the new Church

Cardinal Filipe Neri and Fr. Lucio signing the report of the Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rosary

On June 4, 1920, a chapel was constructed and ceremonially opened in Sadolxem. Initially affiliated with St. Anthony’s Church in Galgibaga, it was later elevated to the status of a church on May 9, 1954.

Delivering a homily on the theme “Thanking God for the gift of the new church, Let us build a community through the intercession of Mother Mary. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão said: “The church established by Jesus transcends mere physical structures; it embodies a community rooted in faith and compassion among his followers.” Cardinal Ferrão said that the architectural beauty of these buildings serves as a tangible symbol of this vibrant faith community. “ Each stone laid in this edifice serves as a reminder that we, the baptized, constitute the followers of Jesus. As living stones, we form an integral part of the church founded by Jesus, embodying the living members of the Body of Christ”, said the Prelate, who is also the President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India ( CCBI).

Emphasizing the crucial need to nurture a deeper connection, the Cardinal urged believers to strengthen their bond with Jesus and grow in faith. "Within these sacred walls, we are provided with a sanctuary to foster a more intimate relationship with Jesus," the Prelate remarked. He underscored the significance of prayer, celebration of the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments as means to fortify our communion with Jesus, enabling us to emulate His love-filled life. "The love exemplified by Jesus is all-encompassing, service-oriented, and overflowing with mercy," the Cardinal, who is the President-Elect of Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference ( FABC), emphasized. Encouraging the congregation, he implored them to exemplify the teachings of Jesus both within their families and in wider society, thereby bearing witness to His transformative love.

Cynthia Barretto, a parishioner presented the minutes of the dedication of the Church. Albert Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the parishioners. Fr. Dominic Sequeira, Parish Priest, expressed his sentiments of gratitude. Priests and Nuns from the parish were felicitated. Parishioners also expressed their gratitude to the former Parish Priests and prayed for those who left for heavenly abode.

Fr Myron Barretto, a parishioner and Chaplain of St. Lawrence Chapel, Arossim-Cansaulim was the liturgical commentator while Fr Afonso Mendonça Director of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, along with Fr Freddy Lobo, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Bhatpal animated the liturgy. Fr Newton Fernandes, Assistant to the Parish Priest of St Teresa of Jesus’ Church, Canacona led the Liturgical singing.