Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Celebrates Jubilee of Divine Mercy

Goa, 27 April, 2025: The Divine Mercy Movement of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Jubilee of Divine Mercy during the archdiocesan-level Divine Mercy Sunday celebration at St. John the Baptist Church, Carambolim, on 27 April. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Kenneth Teles, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone, along with Fr. Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol; Fr. Mario Costa, Parish Priest; Fr. Ashley Fernandes, President of the Divine Mercy Movement; Fr. Ronald D’Souza, OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Seminary Mapusa; Fr. Manuel Gomes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Amparo Church, Mandur; and several other priests who concelebrated the Mass.

Delivering a homily on the theme "Go, experience, live, and proclaim the Mercy of God," Fr. Teles inspired the faithful to embrace and share the message of Divine Mercy in their daily lives. He explained that being merciful involves patiently bearing with the shortcomings of others, doing good even to those who have hurt us, and offering forgiveness with hearts willing to grant second chances. Mercy, he said, builds bridges of love over divisions and places relationships above rigid rule-keeping, reflecting Christ’s own compassion.

Speaking on the spiritual fruits of a merciful life, Fr. Teles shared, “Being merciful helps us grow in communion with God, strengthens our communities through participation, and fulfils our mission of being the face of God’s mercy in the world. Ultimately, it leads us to holiness.” He urged the faithful to draw strength from prayer, the Word of God, and the sacraments—particularly the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.

Fr. Teles also expressed appreciation to the organisers, commending Fr. Mario Costa, the parishioners, and the Divine Mercy Movement for arranging the celebration. Fr. Costa, in turn, shared his joy in hosting the event, noting the parishioners’ dedication, reflected in gifts presented to the priests as tokens of love and gratitude.

Fr. Donato Rodrigues also addressed the gathering, sharing heartfelt sentiments, while the Carambolim Parish Choir enriched the celebration with soul-stirring liturgical singing.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Ashley Alphonso, acknowledging all those who contributed to the celebration’s success. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from Divine Mercy groups across the Archdiocese, alongside the parishioners of Carambolim.