The first day of July 2022 dawned as usual leading us to the routine of the early morning hustle and bustle. In the midst of it all, came the shocking and very sad news, that our beloved shepherd, Archbishop Emeritus Raul Nicolau Gonsalves had breathed his last. He completed 95 years of age on 15th June this year. After being ordained a priest on 21/12/1950, Archbishop Raul Gonsalves, Shepherded our Archdiocese for 37 long years in his capacity as Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop and finally as the Archbishop. He was an Indian prelate, the first Catholic Goan to be the Archbishop of Goa and Patriarch of the East indies. Our late Archbishop led the Church of Goa through uncertain times following Goa’s Liberation in 1961 and the financial reorganisation of the Archdiocese and its economic stability has been credited to him. He also constituted the first Diocesan Pastoral Council and prepared a historic pastoral plan for our Archdiocese focusing on the establishment of Parish pastoral councils and small Christian communities in our Parishes. He led the Church of Goa in welcoming our late Pope St. John Paul II to Goa in the year 1986. His willingness to do what he could, and leave in the hands of our Lord, what he knew he could not do, were the highlights of his qualities. At the time of his death, he was a priest for 71 years and a Bishop for 55 years. He was laid to rest in the Se Cathedral, Old Goa on 4th July, where hundreds of faithful and members of the Church hierarchy gathered to bid a tearful adieu. May the soul of our beloved Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves enjoy heavenly bliss.

St. John Vianney, whose feast is celebrated on 4th August, was a French Catholic priest who is venerated as the patron saint of Parish Priests. He was a exemplary model of priesthood – that he be a leader, that he be of great moral character, a man of prayer and penance, who is always available to his people. Many Priests have worked in our Parish selflessly and diligently. We are all indebted to their generosity and wish them well. Happy Pastor’s day to all of them and to all other priests, as well specially our Present Parish Priest, Fr. Andrew Pereira and the Asst. Parish Priest, Fr. Leslie Gomes. Let us also spare a thought for the Priests who have left for their heavenly abode and pray to our Almighty to grant their souls eternal rest.

On 15th August we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorating Mother Mary going to heaven after her death to be reunited with her soul, instead of going through the natural process of physical decay upon death.

This day, we also celebrate the 75th Independence day of India, the day our motherland got its freedom from the clutches of British rule.

Wishing you all on the occasion of this dual celebration of the Feast of Assumption of Our Lady and the Independence Day of India.

Until we meet again.

Felix Dias
Editor