"Reach for the Heavens”: Fr. Richard D’Souza, Director of the Vatican Observatory, Inspires Students in Goa

Mapusa, Goa, Nov 21, 2025: Sharing an inspiring message that urged students to be curious, ask questions, and nurture a sense of wonder, Fr. Richard D’Souza SJ reflected on the honour of being recognised at the very school where his journey began. To felicitate the renowned astronomer and proud Brittonian on his appointment as Director of the Vatican Observatory, St. Britto’s High School, along with the Britto’s Old Boys’ Association (OBA), gathered in Mapusa, Goa, on November 21.

Fr. D’Souza highlighted that today’s generation lives in a privileged moment in human history. Only in the last century have we begun to understand how the universe and planets formed. “The immensity of astronomical data coming from telescopes is extraordinary,” he said, reminding students that they now carry the universe “on their phones.”

He captivated the audience with images of globular clusters, star-forming regions like the Orion Nebula, supernova remnants, and galaxies viewed in multiple wavelengths.

Explaining telescopes as “buckets of light,” he described giant observatories and space telescopes such as Gaia, Euclid, and the recently completed Vera Rubin Telescope. He called the James Webb Space Telescope a “revolution” for revealing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s auroras, solar systems forming, and distant globular clusters. “We now see the universe in a completely new way… and we whisper the same word: Wow.”

He told students that science is not about memorising textbook answers: “To do research is to learn what is known—and then challenge it, update it, ask deeper questions.”

He concluded with three powerful pieces of advice to aspiring scientists: i) Be curious – Science begins with asking the right questions. ii) Learn to speak and write clearly – Communication matters. iii) Explain what you learn to others – Teaching deepens understanding.

Fr. Basil Vago SJ, Headmaster of St. Britto’s High School, Mapusa, welcoming the gathering, joyfully hailed Fr. Richard D’Souza’s scientific honour as “a celebration of excellence, discipline, and the enduring spirit of St. Britto,” where his journey shows the harmony of science and faith. Recalling his talent and dedication, he urged students: “Your roots may be here in Mapusa, but your aspirations can span galaxies.” He affirmed Britto’s pride: “May your work continue to illuminate both the night sky and the human spirit.”

Speaking on the occasion, MLAs Michael Lobo, Calangute, Joshua D’Souza, MLA of Mapusa, and Adv. Carlos Ferreira, MLA of Aldona, along with Rohan Nazareth, President of the OBA, extended their heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Richard D’Souza SJ.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Fr. Pedro Rodrigues SJ, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of the Society of Jesus; Fr. José Silveira SJ, Superior of the St. Britto Community, Mapusa; Rohit Monserrate, Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji; Clen Medeira, Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji; office bearers and members of the Britto's Old Boys' Association; priests; religious; and the students of St. Britto’s High School.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD