Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Raj Bhavan witnessed a momentous occasion as the Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai hosted a warm reception for a distinguished nine-member Vatican delegation along with the His Eminence Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal-elect, and a high-level Vatican delegation.
The visit of these prominent Vatican delegations is initiated by the new cardinal elect His Eminence Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad.
Raj Bhavan in Goa became the stage for a landmark event as the Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai warmly welcomed a distinguished Vatican delegation.
The visit led by His Eminence Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal-elect, was enriched by the presence of His Excellency Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the third highest-ranking official in the Holy Catholic Church.
The event was further graced by Shri Aleixo Sequeira, Minister for Law in the presence of His Excellency Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican and the third highest-ranking official in the Holy Catholic Church.
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 Purificãcao Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa.
His Excellency Bishop George Koovakad, Cardinal-Elect expressed his gratitude and wished everyone success.
Governor stated that charity is the truth. Serving the people means serving God. God will not forget the work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them, the Governor added.
Governor Pillai greeted the dignitaries with India’s renowned hospitality, presenting 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 etc.
The Governor’s presentation of a ceremonial lamp further symbolized the shared light of unity, illuminating the strong bond between India and the Vatican.
In his address, the Governor said, the event exemplified the enduring bond between India and the Vatican, celebrating unity, respect, and shared values. Quoting the Vedic verse in Sanskrit, the Governor said, good thoughts come to us from all directions, encapsulating the spirit of the gathering.
The reception was attended by several notable figures, including: Rev. Msgr. Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol, H.E. Msgr. Flaviano Rami Al-Kabalan, Procurator of the Syrian Catholic Church in Rome, Dr. Melania Iermieri, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Dr. Alessandro Gallo, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Dr. Daniele Nardis, Assistant for Apostolic Journeys, Mrs. Stefania Capuzzo, Guest.
First Lady of Goa Smt. Rita Sreedharan Pillai also graced the occasion. Earlier, Shri M. R. M. Rao, IAS, Secretary to Governor welcomed the guests. Shri Joemon Job, OSD to the Governor compered and Smt. Mazzie D’Sa proposed a vote of thanks.
