India: Cardinal Ferrão unveils Pastoral Letter, urges missionary command to 'Go and Proclaim'

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman unveiled its latest Pastoral Letter, "Go, Proclaim the Good News (Mk. 16:15)" for the Pastoral Year 2024-2025 on June 2, at Our Lady of Miracle Church, Sanguem-Goa.

In the presence of representatives from the Sanguem deanery, the Committee for the Exposition of the Sacred Relic of St. Francis Xavier, parishioners of Sanguem, and other priests and religious leaders, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão released the letter, which encapsulates a renewed call to spread the gospel.

Drawing inspiration from the missionary command of Jesus Christ to his disciples, the Letter echoes the timeless directive to share the Gospel message with zeal and compassion. 

Addressed to priests, religious lay faithful, and people of goodwill in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, the letter is divided into three parts: The Face of the Synodal Church, Every Disciple a Missionary, and The Journey Ahead.

In his introductory words, Cardinal Ferrão highlighted the threefold focus of the theme—'Go,' 'Proclaim,' and 'Good News'—underscoring the imperative for Christians to actively engage with diverse communities and situations, both locally and globally.

The Archbishop emphasized that the Pastoral Year 2024–25 is significant for the archdiocese as it prepares for the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025 and the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of Saint Francis Xavier.

He hopes these events will rekindle God's love in the faithful, celebrate their faith, and inspire them to become dedicated missionaries of the Good News.

Throughout the letter, key themes such as synodality, inclusivity, and the Church's mission are explored in depth, offering practical insights and guidance for believers seeking to live out their faith authentically.

The prelate, the President-elect of the FABC, reminded in the letter that the Church in Goa had already expressed her yearning to be a ‘Synodal Church’ 22 years ago. The Vision Statement of its Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2002 proclaimed: “Set ablaze by a deep personal as well as Communitarian Experience of God … we … move as a Vibrant Community of love towards our Common goal—the Building of the Kingdom of God” (DPP 2002, 2). 

He appealed to the faithful to continue journeying together to build the Kingdom of God by absorbing the true meaning of synodality and without excluding anyone.

The Pastoral Letter also addresses contemporary challenges, including the impact of digital culture and individualism. 

It notes a dwindling number of men and young people participating in faith formation programs and religious events while calling for a renewed spirit of communal engagement and outreach.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025, the release of the Pastoral Letter marks a pivotal moment for the Archdiocese, setting the stage for a season of reflection, celebration, and action. 

The Pastoral Letter booklet includes a theme hymn with lyrics and musical notations, as well as themes for the Novena based on the letter.