The month of April went by with much rejoicing as Easter heralded the Resurrection of Jesus – our Risen Lord. Indeed, Easter is the promise of a new life and fresh beginnings to those who have embraced the Christian faith. Speaking of new beginnings, this May rolls out the appointments and transfers of various priests in the Diocese of Goa. New beginnings are in the offing for our Asst. Parish Priest Fr. Gregorio Cruz.
Fr. Greg, as we fondly call him, has been a part of our Parish for the last 4 years. He hails from the village of Shiroda, which has a diversity of communities of varied faiths. His spirituality and love for God have been strongly influenced by his mother. His personal relationship with God echoes in his uplifting homilies where he stresses, “Ami amchea jivitant Devak poilo ani vhoilo zago diunk zai.” On the Catechetical front, he is closely involved with the spiritual growth of the Parish children, youth and altar servers. It is not unusual to find him reprimanding the youth and catechism children for not giving enough of themselves towards their faith formation and services to the Church. However, there is also a place for him in the hearts of our Parish youth who have found a friend and confidante in him. Our Asst. Parish Priest has many wonderful qualities. His simplicity and approachable nature has drawn many parishioners towards him. On any given day during the Eucharistic celebration, you can find him lifting up a prayer for those celebrating their birthdays, wedding anniversaries, praying for our parishioners and also reminding us to pray for those in need of our prayers. It is indeed comforting to know that you have been lifted up at the altar. Fr. Gregory’s priestly ministry also comes with a passion for gardening. The area surrounding the church, cemetery and our Parish House bear witness to his nurturing of flowering plants as well as the gardening of a variety of vegetables and fruits. Many have enjoyed the harvest!
It is said, ‘As a priest, you are formed much by the people you serve and live with’ – (David Reed). We hope that our Fr. Gregory will take along with him beautiful memories and prayers of the many lives he has touched in this Parish. May God bless and protect him in his pastoral work in the vineyard that is in store for him.