Governor of Goa hosts reception for Vatican delegates at Raj Bhavan

P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, hosted a reception for a nine-member delegation from the Vatican led by His Eminence Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal-elect. Mr. Pillai presented the delegation with copies on the Bhagavad Gita.

His Excellency Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, third highest-ranking official in the Catholic church, was present. The delegation included two Cardinal-designates, including Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad and His Excellency Msgr. Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and Most Reverend Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa.

Archbishop George, 51 , was elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis in a gesture that was celebrated as a significant honour for India. Reflecting on his appointment, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis, emphasising his commitment to serving both his faith and his nation India. His journey from priesthood to Cardinal is regarded as one of the rarest and most remarkable events in the history of the church.

Mr. Pillai presented each guest with a holy cross and copies of the Bhagavad Gita, interpreted by luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Chinmayanada, Annie Beasant. The Governor’s presentation of a ceremonial lamp further symbolised the shared light of unity, illuminating the strong bond between India and the Vatican. In his address, the Governor quoted the Vedic verse आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वत —May good thoughts come to us from all directions, encapsulating the spirit of the gathering.

Pope Francis, through his delegation, sent significant spiritual gifts to the Governor of Goa. These included a Franciscan Cross (a crucifix), a large portrait of Our Lady of Mother Mary, and two rosaries personally blessed by the Holy Father.

Pope Francis conveyed a message accompanying these gifts, emphasising the values of world peace and spirituality, reflecting the universal themes central to his papacy.

Other members included Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol, Flaviano Rami Al-Kabalan, Procurator of the Syrian Catholic Church in Rome, Melania Iermieri, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Alessandro Gallo, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Daniele Nardis, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Stefania Capuzzo, and Raj Bhavan officers, said a release by Joemon Job, officer on special duty to the Governor.

Published - November 27, 2024 07:07 pm IST