By Br Malvino Alfonso OCD
Panaji, Apr 29: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman witnessed a moment of great joy and grace as Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, ordained twelve deacons to the priesthood on April 29, 2026. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held at the historic Se Cathedral, drawing a large gathering of clergy, religious, and faithful.
The newly ordained priests are:
Fr Dion Rodrigues (Navelim), Fr Elidio Carlos Noronha (Salvador do Mundo), Fr Bevan Rebello (Galgibaga), Fr Aaron Eusebio D’Souza (Colvale), Fr Aestrony Herbert Franco Costa (Betalbatim), Fr Nion Nickson Colaco (Nuvem), Fr Cidroy Ascino Fernandes (Mandrem), Fr Sanvy Jesus Cardoso (Utorda), Fr Lindon Rijoe Sequeira (Navelim), Fr Valancio Anthony Fernandes (Santacruz), Fr Jofhuo Chrispino Fernandes (Cansaulim), and Fr Canjoy Fernandes (Velim).
These priests received their initial formation at the Seminary of Our Lady. Their philosophical studies were completed at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, and their theological studies at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology. They also underwent diaconate formation at the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa.
The eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, and Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of Sindhudurg, along with numerous priests of the Archdiocese.
Delivering a homily, Cardinal Ferrão exhorted the twelve deacons to embrace their priesthood as a call to become close collaborators of Christ in His saving mission.
Referring to Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Cardinal reminded them that the Lord Himself chooses and calls some to share intimately in His ministry. “Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has chosen you to be His close collaborators,” he said, underlining the sacred dignity and responsibility of the priestly vocation.
Drawing from the call of the Prophet Jeremiah (cf. Jer 1:4–8), the Cardinal reflected that just as Jeremiah was assured of God’s abiding presence, so too the newly ordained priests are promised the constant companionship of Christ. However, he cautioned that this divine assurance does not eliminate challenges. “The presence of the Lord does not mean the absence of struggles,” he noted, inviting them to remain steadfast in faith amidst trials.
Elaborating on the nature of priestly ministry, Cardinal Ferrão, President of FABC and CCBI, emphasized that to continue the mission of Jesus as His collaborators, they must cultivate the very heart of Christ—a heart filled with compassion, especially for the poor, the needy, and those on the peripheries. He urged them to become the hands of Jesus that serve generously, particularly those who struggle in life. “Let your hands serve the needy,” he encouraged.
Further, he called them to have the eyes of Christ—eyes that see with mercy and tenderness—so that they may faithfully carry forward the ministry of reconciliation and mercy in the Church.
Acknowledging the demands of priestly life, the Cardinal reminded them of the words of Jesus: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). In this light, he strongly recommended a life rooted in prayer, sustained by regular reflection on the Word of God, and nourished by the faithful celebration of the Sacraments, especially the daily Eucharist.
Finally, Cardinal Ferrão appealed to the faithful gathered for the celebration to support the newly ordained priests through their prayers and active cooperation, so that together they may build up the Body of Christ and continue the mission of the Church.
Fr Candido Fernandes, director of Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, welcomed all. Fr Snyter Pereira, Prefect of Discipline, Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, was the liturgical commentator, while Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy, animated the celebration. Fr Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, led the liturgical signing. Fr. Aestrony Costa expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the newly ordained priests.
Diocesan priests celebrating 50 years and 25 years of priesthood were felicitated at the hands of Cardinal Ferrão.