ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR RAISING VOICE TO PROTECT THE EARTH AT ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S FEAST
PANAJI: Goa and Daman Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao called on the faithful to raise their prophetic voice when the good of the planet is at risk, when the environment is polluted and when intergenerational equity is in danger and reach out to those affected by COVID pandemic.
Archbishop was preaching the homily at the feast of St Francis Xavier at Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa on Thursday.
Bishop emeritus Alex Dias and other priests concelebrated the Solemn Feast Mass.
It is for the first time that Old Goa was not teaming with thousands of devotees who flock there every year, due to COVID restrictions. Only 200 devotees including priests and religious attended the festive mass at 10:30 am.
Deputy Chief Minister Babu Kavlekar, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and other dignitaries attended the main mass.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat, MP Vinay Tendulkar and BJP State president Sadanand Shet Tanavade greeted the people a happy feast on the occasion.