Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Celebrates the Jubilee of Children

Goa, February 16, 2025: Holy Childhood Association of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman marked the Jubilee of Children with a special celebration on the Sunday dedicated to the Holy Childhood at St. Joseph's Church, São José de Areal, located to the southeast of Margão in South Goa. 

Fr. Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone in the Archdiocese, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Maverick Fernandes, the Director of the Holy Childhood Association of the Archdiocese; Fr. Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Council of Social Justice and Peace, Fr. Walter Dsouza, in charge of St. Francis Xavier Academy, Old Goa; and Fr. Movin Menezes, Assistant to the Parish Priest of São José de Areal, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.  

Delivering a homily on the theme "We are Children of Hope," Fr. Henry Falcão called upon the children to help other children and, in doing so, become children of hope. Fr. Falcão began his homily by taking into consideration the sharing made by Veronica Fernandes (St. Alex Orphanage, Calangute), Alricha Viegas (St. Anthony's Boys Home, Verna), and Gautam (St. Francis Xavier's Academy), where these children shared their day-to-day lives in these institutions."

Holy Childhood Day reminds us to take care of one another," said Fr. Falcão, who is also the director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa.

Fr. Henry briefed the children about the Pontifical Societies and explained the role of the Holy Childhood Association. Fr. Henry appealed to the children to stay close to God and strive to be holy. Fr. Maverick Fernandes, the Director of Holy Childhood Association of the Archdiocese; Fr. Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Council of Social Justice and Peace, Fr Walter D'Souza, in charge of St. Francis Xavier Academy, Old Goa; and Fr. Movin Menezes, Assistant to the Parish Priest of São José de Areal, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.

Students from St. Alex Orphanage, Calangute; St. Anthony's Home, Verna; Holy Family Boarding, Sancoale; and St. Francis Xavier Training Centre for Children with Disabilities, Old Goa, participated. Confirmation Catechism students from São José de Areal Parish and five children with one catechist from each Quepem deanery parish also joined. São José de Areal's Catechism students took part in the Eucharistic celebration.

The children, divided into 14 groups, participated in three activities: painting the Corporal Works of Mercy, performing a Bible-based mime, dance, or skit, and crafting a slogan on their assigned Bible value. Holy Family Boarding students shared insights into their spiritual life and hobbies. All participants received a token of appreciation.

The program was facilitated by Feliz Goes. Fr. Movin Menezes warmly welcomed the children and all attendees. Fr. Savio Fernandes, Executive Secretary, also expressed heartfelt thanks to Fr. Damaciano Carvalho, Parish Priests, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD