The Inauguration of the XXXIX Course of Pastoral Studies 
       

 The inaugural ceremony of the XXXIX Course of Pastoral Studies (Nov. 2011 – April 2012) at the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa was held on an auspicious day - 11/11/11. The theme that would run through the entire course was formulated as “Yadnik xrixtti polleta, Deva mog onnbhovta”, The main purpose of having such celebration was to set the tone for the Pastoral Course. Our Archbishop Patriarch Most Rev.Filipe Neri Ferrao invoked  God’s blessings at the Eucharistic celebration, and the eleven Pastoralites (the newly ordained Priests) sought God’s assistance to live up to their ordination logo through a symbolic offering of a potted plant. In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on three biblical images portrayed in Jesus’ ministry - Servant, Steward and Shepherd. Dwelving  on these images, he said that a priest should cultivate the virtue of simplicity and humility to become a true Servant; strive to be holy and work with responsibility to become a Steward, and live the qualities of love and kindness to become a Shepherd unto the heart of Jesus.

A cultural session  that followed the Eucharistic celebration added colour to the day’s programme. It began with the traditional lighting of the lamp followed by an instrumental piece ‘Minuet in G major’ of J. S. Bach performed by the Pastoralites .
The Director of the Institute, Fr. Joseph Rowland Salema, then addressed the gathering and accorded a warm welcome to the new batch of eleven Priests who would be undergoing the pastoral training at the Institute. He also welcomed Fr. Edson Fernandes  who has been appointed as an Assistant to the Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate. In his address, he spelt out the vision of the Pastoral Course and voiced out his expectations from the Pastoralites – “to be their best so that the best could come out from them by the time they leave the Institute”. The Staff, on its part, will leave no stone unturned to be at the total service of each Pastoralite -  he said.
The Chief Guest of the day’s function was Prof. Isabel de Santa Rita Vaz who gave the keynote address on her expectation of Priests. Narrating the episode of the Walk to Emmaus from the Bible, she mentioned that the disciples on their way to Emmaus had an open heart and open mind: this led them to discover Jesus. She challenged the Priests to have open eyes and a open heart  to look out for God, at all times. She also asked the Priests to look out for God in silence and in Scriptures. “Have a broad minded community and be open to the people of all faiths in the parish”, she added. Expounding on various challenges faced by priests she wished the Priests interesting times and “interesting times are always challenging ones”, subsequently, she added. The Archbishop in his message urged the Pastoralites to imbibe the culture of silence and study, hard work and appreciation. “Be a priest in an unique way, discover your unique personal vocation and reflect on your personal salvation story”, he added. A short Konkani Skit - ‘suknnem’ (bird) - based on the environmental scenario of Goa was staged by the Pastoralites. The Pastoralites then blended their voices in the choral singing, “Rejoice, the Lord has come”. The programme was compered by the Pastoralite Fr. Dylan D’Costa, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Fr. Manuel Gomes, the staff member of the Institute.
The joy of the day reached its climax at the fellowship meal in our refectory.
   

                                                                                                                                      Fr. Elvis Dias