800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St Francis of Assisi Celebrated at Colvale

St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colvale celebrated the 800th anniversary of the saint's passing on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

The church, founded by Franciscans in 1591, is dedicated to the five wounds of St. Francis. During the Mass, which was concelebrated by parish priests Fr. Arlino de Mello and Fr. Agnelo Fernandes alongside other priests, Cardinal Ferrão described the life of St. Francis as a model for following Christ. He noted that the saint demonstrated humility, simplicity, and detachment from worldly goods, while also accepting the sacrifices of discipleship and proclaiming the Gospel through his actions. The Cardinal encouraged the faithful to carry their own crosses with courage and to act as examples of Christ in their homes and workplaces.