Celebration of Silent Mass by hearing-impaired priest at Old Goa

PANAJI

Fr Joseph Thermadam, the first Indian Catholic priest with hearing impairment, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the St Francis Xavier Training Centre for Children with Disability in Old Goa on November 24 at 9.30 am.

It is a Silent Mass celebrated through sign language. There are 120 deaf Catholic pilgrims who have come specially to venerate the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, stated Fr Walter D’Souza, Incharge of St Francis Xavier Training Centre for Children with Disability.

“It is coming together of the Indian Catholic Deaf Association and the Goan Catholic Deaf Association will participate together to praise God for the gift of St. Francis Xavier.”

After the Mass, Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee of the Archdiocese, will address the deaf community before the interaction between the two groups for understanding and future collaboration. There are around 180 Deaf Catholics will attend the celebration. 

“Incidentally, St Francis Xavier began his interaction with the locals through signs and symbols to share the Good News,” stated Fr D’Souza.

Fr Joseph joins a select group of approximately 25 hearing impaired priests worldwide within the Catholic Church. 

Reflecting on his journey to priesthood, Fr Joseph says “This is a start and a message to those with limitations like me that all this is possible.”

St Francis Xavier Training Centre for Children with Disability is coordinating the celebration along with the Disability Rights Association of Goa.