OLD GOA
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation in the Vatican, on Tuesday described St Francis Xavier as an inspiration and model in being a messenger of the Good News.
Cardinal Tagle emphasised the example of St Francis Xavier while delivering a homily at the Feast Mass on the theme, ‘We are messengers of the Good News.’
Cardinal Tagle highlighted St Francis Xavier's missionary zeal, noting, "St Francis was tasked to provide pastoral care mainly to the Catholics in Goa, then in Malacca and Maluku Island, proclaiming the Gospel with zeal amidst difficulties."
“In all his missionary travels and activities he brought only the essential books for prayer, catechism and the devout life. It was neither ambition nor conquest that gave him energy. It was love for Jesus who had loved him first. Just love that is all that mattered. The message emboldened the messenger. The messenger embodied the message.”
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle called on the faithful to reflect on their roles as messengers of God’s word, emphasising the importance of humility and authenticity in spreading the Gospel.
"Authentic messengers of God do not present themselves; nor do they find a way to be chosen; nor do they create their own message," Cardinal Tagle explained.
He further highlighted that these messengers maintain a simple lifestyle and a meek attitude, even when faced with rejection, threats, and persecution.
"They face rejection, threats, and persecution as doves, not as wolves, because they depend on God’s goodness and on the power of God’s word."
The Cardinal’s words drew a sharp contrast between true and false messengers.
"In the history of the world, even to our time, we have witnessed the existence of false messengers. They pretend to be gods, bringing disaster to society," he said. "They are called and sent by the false gods of superiority, ambition, greed, discrimination, injustice, indifference, and violence."
He went on to explain that the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus transcend earthly rulers who favour some and neglect others.
"Those who allow Jesus to rule their hearts will regard each other not as strangers, threats, and enemies, but as brothers and sisters, members of the same family and body, co-heirs to the fullness of life,” said Cardinal Tagle.
Earlier, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão welcomed the congregation, while Fr Ramiro Luis presented the Konkani translation of the homily.
Fr Henry Falcão expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in organising the feast and the Exposition of the Sacred Relics. Debora Pereira led the liturgical singing, while Fr Candido Fernandes, the Director of the Pastoral Institute, played an instrumental role in animating the liturgy. Deacon Slator Alemao served as the liturgical commentator, guiding the congregation through the sacred moments of the celebration.
Cardinal Tagle presided over the Eucharistic celebration while Apostolic Nuncio in India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Bishop of Mananjary, Madagascar José Alfredo Caires de Nobrega, Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo (Mozambique) Tonito José Francisco Xavier Muananoua, Bishop-Elect of Vasai Monsignor Thomas Francis D’Souza, Bishop of Baroda Sebastiao Mascarenhas, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Simião Fernandes, Fr Henry Falcão, Convenor of the Exposition Committee, Fr Patricio Fernandes S.J. Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, and over 235 priests concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and the prelates later venerated the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at the Dsee Cathedral.
