India: Goa Archdiocese honors Pope Francis with memorial Mass at Se Cathedral

A solemn Mass in suffrage for our beloved Pope Francis was celebrated at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on April 24, 2025.

Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, reflected in his homily on the life, teachings, and legacy of the late Pope Francis.

Describing Pope Francis as a “joyful witness of the Risen Lord and a shining image of a Good Shepherd,” the Cardinal — who is also the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI)—recalled him as a man deeply rooted in Jesus Christ: someone who began each day in prayer and lived a life of profound humility.

“He was a man of God... deeply rooted in Jesus,” said Ferrão.

He recalled the pope’s humility from the moment of his election, when he asked the faithful, “Please pray for me and give me your blessings.”

This humility continued throughout his papacy, as he often repeated the same request during personal meetings.

Ferrão shared memorable moments, such as when Francis responded to concerns about his safety by saying, “I am not worried about that. God will take care of me.” Upon being discharged from the hospital, he told a fellow cardinal, “I am ready to go to God whenever He calls me.”

“Since he was a man of God, he was a man for others... The life of Pope Francis is a perfect self-gift of love,” said the prelate.

Known popularly as the “People’s Pope,” Pope Francis’ teachings and writings — especially his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium — outlined his vision of a Church that reaches out.

Ferrão highlighted how the pope envisioned “a missionary Church... a Church that goes out, a Church that gets soiled, whose hands get dirty to serve.”

“He lived on his teachings. He was the witness to the joy of the Gospel,” he added.

The cardinal fondly remembered the pope’s ever-present smile and simplicity. Despite his stature, he remained approachable, walking to Synod sessions even in the rain with an umbrella in hand and personally welcoming bishops during Ad Limina visits.

He also gave another encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti. Pope Francis gave special attention to the vulnerable: the elderly, the disabled, children, the sick, and the poor.

He proclaimed 2015 as the Year of Mercy and reminded the Church, “God’s name is Mercy” and “The Church is not a museum of saints, but a field hospital.”

He also advocated for an inclusive Church, especially encouraging the participation of the laity and women in leadership. “He dreamt of an all-embracing, inclusive Church where everyone is respected,” said the cardinal.

The pope’s final message echoed his lifelong mission: “I hope that there will be peace in the world.” Cardinal Ferrão praised him as “a Pope of peace and dialogue,” who built bridges with people of all faiths.

Through Laudato Si’, he urged care for “our common home,” calling for ecological and intergenerational justice. “We need to protect this nature for future generations,” Cardinal Ferrão reminded the faithful.

In conclusion, he encouraged all to carry forward Pope Francis’ legacy — a life rooted in Christ, marked by love, humility, and mercy. Addressing clergy, he recalled the pope’s words: “While exercising our ministry, we must smell our sheep.”

Fr. Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone and Director of St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, was the liturgical commentator, while Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy, animated the liturgy. Fr. Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, led the liturgical singing.