Feast of St. John of the Cross Celebrated in Goa

Sarfona, Sancoale, Goa, December 14, 2025: The Sisters of the St. John of the Cross Convent observed the feast of their patron saint with a solemn High Mass on December 13, as December 14 coincided with the Third Sunday of Advent. The celebration was held at the convent chapel.

Fr. Kenneth Teles, Parish Priest of Sancoale, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and was joined by eight concelebrating priests. Parents, benefactors and members of the neighbouring wards took part in the liturgy.

In his homily, Fr. Teles reflected on the theme “Bhagevont Juanv Atmik Uzvaddan Jiyeunk Bhorvanso” (St. John, A Hope to Live in Spiritual Light). He highlighted the life of St. John of the Cross as a Spanish-born writer, poet and mystic whose spirituality was rooted in prayer, silence and poverty, and whose reforming zeal renewed the Carmelite Order.

Fr. Teles emphasised that the saint’s commitment to holiness was expressed through a disciplined way of life and a desire to make less for oneself in order to use one’s strength for God’s glory. He said the essence of spiritual growth lies not merely in outward silence, but in cultivating inner silence that allows God’s light to penetrate the darkness within and guide one away from worldly pursuits.

Drawing a parallel with St. Lucy, whose feast was also commemorated, Fr. Teles said both saints lived in spiritual light and courageously confronted darkness. He called on the faithful to embrace a stricter and more authentic Christian life.

Basing his reflection on scripture, he pointed to Christ as the light of the world, the way, the truth and the life, and said that divine light reveals sin and leads people towards repentance and reliance on Jesus alone. He urged the faithful to reflect Christ’s light in their lives and lead others away from unfruitful paths.

Fr. Teles invited the congregation to deepen their spiritual journey by making Jesus the centre of life, seeking God through prayer and silence, and living generously in a spirit of poverty and service.

The celebration concluded with words of thanks from the animator, Sr. Ria, and a fellowship meal shared by all present.

By Sr. Molly Fernandez

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