Archbishop's Message on Ganesh Festival 2008
It is feast time, once again, when our Hindu brothers and sisters - our
fellow pilgrims on earth - honour their Lord Ganesh. It is an occasion when
the fruits of earth - the fruit of human work - are laid at his feet. It is
a moment of special joy, as they experience the visit of the deity to their
homes. And no wonder this joy overflows in the exchange of greetings and
goodies with their dear and near ones. We take particular note that Ganesh
is venerated as an icon of wisdom, tenderness, compassion and prosperity.
While sharing in the joy of our Hindu brethren, we also pray that those high
qualities of human interaction be instilled in the members of the Goan
community, that they may serve to strengthen the fabric of tolerance,
cooperation and mutual help, which have marked it for centuries. We will
then be able to journey, side by side, as partners for the progress and
prosperity of our beloved Goa, so as to build a Great India and sing praises
to the glory of God.
Archbishop's House, Panjim, Goa, September 2, 2008.
+ Filipe Neri Ferrão
Archbishop of Goa and Daman
