Cardinal Ferrão’s Pastoral Letter Urges Faithful to Be Living Signs of Hope

GOA, 2 June 2025: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, in his Pastoral Letter for the Pastoral Year 2025–2026, echoes Pope Francis’ vision by calling the faithful not only to speak of hope but to live it actively—becoming tangible signs of hope to those on the margins.

The Pastoral Letter (2025–2026), addressed to the priests, religious, lay faithful, and people of goodwill in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, is centred on the theme “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” (Rom. 5:5). It was released by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, on 1 June at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Valpoi.

Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the CCBI and the FABC, reflects in the introductory part of the letter that hope is “the anchor that holds us amid the storms of life,” distinguishing it from mere optimism. The letter is rich in biblical references, portraying hope as a renewing force (cf. Is 40:31), a source of joy and peace (cf. Rom 15:13), a means of growing in purity (cf. 1 Jn 3:3), and a foundation for patience (cf. Rom 8:24–25).

Quoting from various Church documents—including _Gaudium et Spes, Lumen Gentium, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Dei Verbum,_ and the Catechism of the Catholic Church—the Archbishop underscores the Church’s mission to be a beacon of hope.

As the Archdiocese continues its Synodal journey and embraces the Jubilee Year initiated by Pope Francis, he emphasises a mission “firmly anchored in this hope that does not disappoint.”

Reaching the Margins with Hope

The Pastoral Letter outlines eight key pastoral priorities rooted in Scripture and in Pope Francis’ vision, with practical steps for implementation at the Archdiocesan, Deanery, and Parish levels. These priorities focus on vulnerable groups such as prisoners, persons with disabilities, the sick and elderly, and the poor—urging compassionate care, inclusion, and social support.

It also stresses the importance of accompanying young people through faith-building initiatives, welcoming migrants through integration efforts, strengthening families amid modern challenges, and caring for creation through eco-friendly initiatives.

Together, these priorities aim to foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful Church community at every level.

Models of Hope: Mother Mary and St. Joseph Vaz

The letter concludes by honouring Mary, “the Mother of Hope,” and St Joseph Vaz, patron of the Archdiocese. “Mary kept the lamp of hope burning amid storms,” while St Joseph Vaz “revived hope wherever he went,” even in the face of persecution and plague.

As the new Pastoral Year begins, Cardinal Ferrão’s message is clear: the Church must live hope through action. With coordinated efforts at every level, the Archdiocese is invited to translate hope into everyday acts of mercy, justice, and stewardship.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD