By Bro. John Malvino Alfonso OCD –
Margao: Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao released a booklet of the guidelines for the Divine Mercy Movement in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman during Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations held at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, was organised by the Divine Mercy Movement of the Archdiocese.
Divine Mercy Movement is a ministry of mercy that will be promoted under the direction of the diocesan bishop. Carmelites in Goa have been requested by the Archbishop Neri to animate the ‘Divine Mercy Movement’ as an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman after giving appropriate catechesis and printing relevant literature.
Mr. Fidelis Bonamis, a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Margão, introduced this devotion at the Carmelite Monastery, Margão. Realizing its relevance, the Carmelite priests, Fr. Antonio Silva and Fr. Anastasio Gomes, made known this devotion through their preaching and writings all over Goa. Recognizing their role in the propagation of the devotion, Archbishop requested Carmelites in Goa to promote this movement.
From the year 2017, 137 groups have been formed in parishes / chapels by the Carmelite friars to promote devotion to the Divine Mercy. Relevant literature/books were also published. Seminars and sessions on the themes related to mercy of God were organised as a part of promotion of this movement.
Delivering a homily on the theme “Experiencing Peace of Jesus, let us become merciful to others” for the Eucharistic celebration on Divine Mercy Sunday, Archbishop requested the faithful to become instrument of peace and forgiveness in our families, in our communities and in our Goan and Indian society. ”
Elaborating on the reasons for becoming instruments of forgiveness, Archbishop said that Jesus, is the man of forgiveness, forgiveness is the condition to receive forgiveness and forgiveness is essential for a praying person.
“ If I don’t forgive others, I stop God’s forgiveness to me,” said Archbishop.
As Jesus, the face of God’s mercy showed mercy towards the other, the Prelate appealed to the faithful to experience the mercy of God and be merciful towards the members of their families and communities.
Archbishop, appreciated the priests, religious and specially Carmelites for promoting the Divine Mercy Devotion in the Archdiocese. Archbishop, releasing the Booklet of Guidelines of the Divine Mercy Movement in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman appealed the members of the Divine Mercy Groups to implement the Guidelines released for the Movement so that the Divine Mercy Groups formed in the Parishes becomes more and more effective. “These groups may also become a help for the members of the Church to experience God’s mercy so that they become instruments of peace and Reconciliation in the families and society at large.” Said Archbishop.
Divine Mercy Group of Guardian Angel Church Sanvordem conducted an Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament before the Eucharistic celebration. Representatives from the Parish Divine Mercy Groups of Verna, Chinchinnim, and Benaulim( Holy Trinity Church) participated in the Liturgy. Carmelina Fernandes, Animator of Divine Mercy Group of Our Lady of Livramento Church, Arlem was the liturgical commentator. Superior of the Carmelite Monastery Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, thanked the gathering. Parishes in the Archdiocese too celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday with the liturgy animated by the Divine Mercy Groups in the Parishes/ Chapels.