Media Release
Goa, Dec 2: "Christian love goes beyond all frontiers to witness Jesus through our mission," said His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the dicastery for evangelization, as he delivered the keynote address at the inauguration of the biennial Meeting of the International Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL). The event, taking place from December 2nd to 6th, 2024, in Pilar, Goa, India, carries the theme, "Journeying Together: Encountering New Frontiers."
In his address, Cardinal Tagle emphasized the importance of understanding ‘frontiers’ in the context of walking together for evangelization. He offered a threefold explanation of the term.
"A frontier is a border between two territories, encompassing civil, historical, cultural, and ethnic dimensions," he said. Cardinal Tagle noted that understanding these borders aids in describing local churches and facilitates inculturation. He pointed to Jesus' example of moving across territories to foster appreciation and to disentangle Christianity from being identified with one culture.
Highlighting the need for attentiveness to frontiers, he stressed the importance of redefining cultural elements for better understanding. “While respecting the first frontiers of borders, we fail to give testimony to the universal frontiers of Christian love,” he remarked.
Cardinal Tagle identified the second frontier as unexplored areas needing to be conquered and the third as the frontier of knowledge. “This refers to new fields requiring further investigation, such as digital technology and synodality in the Church,” he said.
MISAL 2024 is hosted by the Missionary Society of St Francis Xavier, also known as the Society of Pilar. This indigenous missionary Society of Apostolic Life was founded on September 26, 1887, in Goa by Fr Bento Martins.
Following Cardinal Tagle's keynote address, a question-and-answer session moderated by Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas, Bishop of Baroda, provided further insights.
Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, underscored the role of Societies of Apostolic Life in the frontline of evangelization. He urged them to inspire the Church to embrace synodal challenges, citing St Francis Xavier and St Joseph Vaz as exemplars of crossing frontiers to proclaim
Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, delivered an inspiring welcome address, describing these societies as ‘a light in the world, breaking new frontiers,’ and highlighting their adaptability and apostolic zeal.
Fr Nazareth Fernandes, superior general of the Society of Pilar, extended a warm welcome to the Cardinals, Bishops, and delegates. He emphasized the key aspects of MISAL 2024 and described pilar as a fitting venue where numerous missionaries have drawn inspiration and strength for their work.
Fr Norman Almeida Sfx concluded the inaugural/keynote address session by thanking Cardinal Tagle and Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas for their contributions.
Fr Stephen D'Souza, vicar general of the Society of Pilar initiated the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, during which the lamp was lit by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and other Bishops in attendance.
The inauguration ceremony was anchored by Fr Randal Dsouza sfx and Sr Nina Lopes msp
Representatives from 29 Societies of Apostolic Life are participating in the five-day global meet.
On the first day, Sr Faria Barretto HC, mother general of the Congregation of Handmaids of Christ, Sr Luiza Fernandes MSp, mother general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar, Sr Berna Rodrigues Sfn, mother general of the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth, Sr Fatima Rodrigues FMCK, mother general of the Franciscan Missionaries Christ the King, Fr Pedro Rodrigues S J, provincial superior of the Society of Jesus, Fr Joaquim Rebelo Sfx, provincial superior of Goa Province of Society of Pilar, Fr Remy Cardozo Sfx, provincial superior of Delhi Province of Society of Pilar, Fr Savio Coutinho Sfx, provincial superior of Mumbai Province of the Society of Pilar, Sr Elsa Muttathu Pbvm, national secretary of CRI, Archdiocesan clergy and lay Catholic leaders joined the event, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
The evening featured a public reception to honour the dignitaries and delegates, marking a memorable start to MISAL 2024. The programme included a musical performance (fusion ensemble) led by Joe D’Costa and a play celebrating the history and growth of the Society of Pilar. His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, along with Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and Fr Nazareth Fernandes, released the book ‘The social dynamism of Catholic education with special reference to India’, authored by Dr Fr Adrian Fernandes SFX, with Dr Sr Dorothy D'Souza AC serving as an expert on the project. Additionally, a souvenir commemorating the global event was unveiled. The evening’s cultural programme was skilfully anchored by Sammy Coelho and Myra D’Costa.
MISAL-2024 promises to be a pivotal event, empowering SAL members to deepen their commitment, broaden their horizons, and respond with courage and compassion to the evolving needs of the world.