The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol inaugurated the Formative Year 2026–2027 with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Eminence Most Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, on 3 July 2026, the Solemnity of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Preaching on the theme, “Abide in Christ, Be His Mission,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the significance of inaugurating the formative year on the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Drawing inspiration from Saints Thomas and Paul, he reminded the congregation that a genuine encounter with the Risen Christ transforms believers into courageous missionaries. Emphasising that every Christian receives the mission to proclaim Christ at Baptism, he reminded the seminarians that the Church is called to serve as prophet, priest and shepherd. He urged them to remain rooted in Christ and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, an inaugural programme was held in the seminary auditorium. After an orchestral performance by the seminarians, Rector Fr. Donato Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and introduced the seminary’s vision statement for the year: “Abide in Christ, Be His Mission.” Inspired by the Archdiocesan pastoral theme, the vision calls the seminary community to remain deeply united with Christ and witness to His love through their lives, he added.
A highlight of the programme was the Lectio Brevis, Mater Populi Fidelis, delivered by Fr. George Dias, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, followed by a choral presentation – Bobby Shaftoe by W.G. Whittaker, sung by the Santa Cecilia Choir of the seminary under the direction of Fr. Mathew Rebello.
In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão expressed his gratitude to the outgoing members of the seminary staff for their dedicated service, warmly welcomed the newly appointed formators and seminarians, greeted the new Director of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rev. Fr. Victor Sequeira and thanked the outgoing Director, Rev. Fr. Nelson Sequeira, for his valuable contribution to the Institute. Reflecting on the Church’s synodal journey, he described synodality as living in communion with Christ, walking together and sharing in His mission. Expressing his joy that the Seminary Formation Theme was inspired by the diocesan pastoral theme, “Abide in Christ,” Cardinal Ferrão highlighted its three foundational pillars: Rootedness in Faith, Formation in Faith and Celebration of Faith. He also exhorted the seminarians to read and reflect Magnifica Humanitas, the recent encyclical of Pope Leo XIV on ensuring that Artificial Intelligence serves humanity while safeguarding human dignity.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão blessed the paddy field before the commencement of the paddy transplantation. The transplantation brought together priests, seminarians, lay faithful and numerous young people from different parishes across Goa, who joyfully joined hands in cultivating the land. This shared experience highlighted the dignity of manual labour, fostered community spirit and reflected a common commitment to caring for God’s creation through agriculture.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Seminarian Andrew Raju of the Third Year of Theology, followed by the singing of the Seminary Anthem..