Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD & Verghese V Joseph –
Goa: The newly constructed church building at Sadolxem in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was inaugurated and dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary on May 15, 2024. The Rite of dedication took place during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The new building has been constituted into a church dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary and given the status of a ‘Parish Church’ by the Decree CP-Decr/117/2024. The decree of Erection was read by Fr Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone. On June 4, 1920, a chapel was constructed and ceremonially opened in Sadolxem. Initially affiliated with St. Anthony’s Church in Galgibaga, it was later elevated to the status of a church on May 9, 1954.
Among the several others who concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration were Fr Patrick Luis (Dean of Canacona Deanery), Fr Dominic Sequeira (parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Sadolxem), Fr Anil Kumar (former parish priest), Fr Roque Dcosta (former parish priest), Fr George Ratos (parish priest of Paroda Church), Fr Mariano Silveira (parish priest of Tivim Church) and Fr Domaciano Carvalho (parish priest of Sao Jose De Areal Church).
In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão emphasized that the church transcends mere physical structures and embodies a community rooted in faith and compassion among Jesus’ followers. He said that the architectural beauty of these buildings serves as a tangible symbol of this vibrant faith community.
The Cardinal urged believers to strengthen their bond with Jesus and grow in faith, highlighting the significance of prayer, celebration of the Word of God, and active participation in the sacraments as means to fortify our communion with Jesus.
Encouraging the congregation, Cardinal Ferrão implored them to exemplify the teachings of Jesus both within their families and in wider society, thereby bearing witness to His transformative love.
The dedication ceremony was attended by several priests, including Fr Lucio Dias, Fr Patrick Luis, Fr Dominic Sequeira, Fr Anil Kumar, Fr Roque Dcosta, Fr George Ratos, Fr Mariano Silveira, and Fr Domaciano Carvalho.
Cynthia Barretto, a parishioner, presented the minutes of the dedication of the Church, while Albert Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the parishioners. Fr. Dominic Sequeira, Parish Priest, expressed his sentiments of gratitude, and parishioners also expressed their gratitude to the former Parish Priests.
Fr Myron Barretto, a parishioner and Chaplain of St. Larence Chapel, Arossim-Cansaulim was the liturgical commentator. The liturgy was animated by Fr Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, along with Fr Freddy Lobo, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Bhatpal. Fr Newton Fernandes, Assistant of the Parish Priest of St Teresa of Jesus’ Church, Canacona, led the Liturgical singing.
The dedication of the new church building in Sadolxem marks a significant milestone for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, providing a sacred space for the faithful to gather, worship, and grow in their faith.