Superior General of Pilar Society Fr Nazareth Fernandes along with other Pilar Fathers at the St Anselm’s Church in Southall-London.
LONDON
Fr Nazareth Fernandes, the Superior General of Pilar Society, appreciated the UK Goan Catholic community for keeping alive the torch of their faith amidst a context of diminishing culture of religious values and encouraged them to carry on being witnesses to Jesus Christ.
“Be witnesses to those who do not know Christ and to the ones who have forgotten Jesus,” said Fr Nazareth during his homily at St Anselm’s Church, Southall, on September 29.
Fr Nazareth visited the members of the Pilar Society in London and Swindon from September 25 to October 5.
Fr Nazareth presided over special Eucharistic celebrations at Sts Peter and Paul Church (Mitcham), St Anselm’s Church (Southall), St Joseph’s Church (Wembley), Holy Rood Church and St Peter’s Church (Swindon). Fr Nazareth interacted with local people during social occasions.
“Pilar Society belongs to the people of Goa; it’s born out of the faith of the local people to reach out in service to others,” Fr Nazareth told the Goan diaspora.
“Pilar Fathers have accompanied you on your faith journey in a different land, keeping the spirit of Goa and Christian values alive.”
Superior General of Pilar Society Fr Nazareth Fernandes while addressing the Goan community at Tooting-London.
The Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier, commonly known as Pilar Society, is a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical status, started in Goa on September 26, 1887.
Acknowledging the decline in vocations to the priesthood, Fr Nazareth stated, "Family prayers and personal nudges are keys to sow the seeds of vocations to the priesthood and religious life among the younger generation.”
Seven priests of the Pilar Society are based in the Archdiocese of Southwark and Clifton diocese, serving the Archdiocese of Westminster, Brentwood Diocese, Portsmouth Diocese and other dioceses in England and Wales, as the need arises.
Fr Nazareth met with Bishops, ecclesiastical authorities and prominent people during his stay in London. Fr Nazareth will visit Pilar Priests in Austria, Germany, and Rome.
