Goan Catholics Rejoice Over New Approachable Auxiliary Bishop

Catholics in Goa say Pope has given them an “approa-chable pastor” who is “an epitome of faithful servant” as their new auxiliary bishop. The Pope on April 6 appointed Father Simião Purificação Fernandes, who is the current director of the Pastoral Insti-tute of St Pius X at Old Goa, as the auxiliary bishop of Goa and Daman. Cardinal Filippe Neri Ferrao, arch-bishop of Goa and Daman, said the clergy, religious and the laity “ext-end our warmest felicitations” to the bishop-elect. The cardinal prayed for God’s grace to accompany his auxili-ary “in all his endeavours, granting him wisdom, courage and compa-ssion.”