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‘A Light in the World, Breaking New Frontiers’: Cardinal Ferrão on Societies of Apostolic Life

Pilar, December 2, 2024: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, delivered an inspiring welcome address at the inaugural session of the Meeting of the International Societies of Apostolic Life, held at Pilar, Goa. Emphasizing the essential role of these societies in the Church's mission, he described them as “a light in the world, breaking new frontiers,” reflecting their dynamic adaptability and apostolic zeal.


The gathering, a historic first for the Archdiocese, brought together international delegates committed to serving the Church’s mission through diverse ministries such as evangelization, education, healthcare and social justice.

Addressing the representatives of the Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) praised their dedication and flexibility in responding to the needs of the modern world. “Rooted in a shared charism, you engage in works such as evangelization, education, healthcare, and social justice, responding to the needs of the modern world with flexibility and dynamism,” he said.


Highlighting their mission-focused efforts, he added, “You often work in areas where the Church's presence is most needed. Through your apostolic zeal and focus on serving others, you embody the Church’s call to be a light in the world.”


The Cardinal, who is the President-Elect of FABC, also reflected on their leadership role in the Church's ongoing synodal journey. “By listening, discerning and promoting mission-focused evangelization, you can inspire the Church to embrace its synodal journey with greater inclusivity, creativity, and a renewed commitment to mission,” he noted.


Cardinal Ferrão linked the significance of the meeting to Goa’s rich missionary heritage. “Five centuries ago, Goa emerged as a pivotal center for the evangelization of the East, leaving an indelible mark on the religious and cultural landscapes of Asia,” he said. He commended the Society of Pilar for continuing this legacy through its impactful missionary activities.


“Today, the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Pilar Fathers, carries forward this flame, engaging in relevant and fruitful missionary activity both in the East and the West,” he stated.


Cardinal Ferrão invoked the examples of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Joseph Vaz as guiding lights for apostolic zeal. “Saint Francis Xavier crossed many frontiers to embrace a life of passionate mission, while Saint Joseph Vaz revived and expanded the Church in Sri Lanka during a time of persecution. Their lives remind us of the transformative power of apostolic life,” he said.


The Cardinal expressed his hope that the gathering would lead to a revitalized commitment to apostolic mission. “I am truly happy that this hillock of Pilar will be the launching pad for a renewed and powerful global commitment to apostolic life and mission,” he concluded.


The five-day global meet hosted by the Society of Pilar, promises to explore innovative ways to address contemporary challenges while fostering collaboration among the Societies of Apostolic Life, ensuring they continue to be “a light in the world, breaking new frontiers.”


By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

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