Goa’s first chapel dedicated to St Teresa inaugurated at Chorao

The chapel is the result of an initiative by the Chorao communidade and the local parish committees besides villagers.

Vasco:  Goa’s first chapel dedicated to St Teresa of Kolkata was inaugurated on Sept 4 at Chorao Island along the Mandovi river near Panaji.

The chapel is the result of an initiative by the Chorao communidade and the local parish committees besides villagers cutting across religion that helped and contributed in various ways to get the chapel ready on time for the momentous occasion of Mother Teresa’s canonisation.

Inspired by Mother Teresa’s life and her work, the village leaders have committed themselves to put their resources to the best use in service of humanity in the village of Chorao-Madel.

The inauguration of the chapel at Chorao marked the beginning of this long journey.

Fr Gabriel Coutinho, the ex-parish priest of the village and presently the parish priest of St Andrew’s church, Vasco inaugurated the chapel.

Also present were the local parish priest, Fr Miguel Pereira, assistant parish priest, Fr Valeriano Andrade, and resident senior priest, Fr Almiro Dsouza, who blessed the statues of Mother Teresa and Venerable Fr Agnel which were then installed in the niches of the chapel’s facade.

The inauguration function and the subsequent holy mass were attended by a large number of villagers.

Fr Gabriel in his homily recounted the inspiring lifelong work of Mother Teresa among the unfortunate members of the Indian society.

He said it has become very easy and fashionable today for people to donate money and think that their job is done. However, true Christian spirit lies in the actual deeds of kindness and love for the poorest of the poor and the most neglected members of society.

He reminded the congregation to draw courage and inspiration from Mother Teresa to lovingly care for the elderly, sick and the destitute in their families and neighbourhoods.

Source: The Navhind Times