Shillong, November 8: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, on Sunday urged Catholics to bear witness to Jesus Christ through their daily actions while leading the Holy Mass during the Archdiocese of Shillong’s annual Eucharistic celebration at Kalbari, Laitumkhrah.

Shillong Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Laloo concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by thousands of faithful at Mary Help of Christians Parish.

Addressing priests, religious brothers and sisters, and lay faithful, Cardinal Ferrão described it as a privilege to join the archdiocese for the celebration. He said the Eucharistic procession was a public profession of faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

He said that by accompanying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets, the faithful publicly proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and the centre of their lives.

Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “You are the salt of the earth,” the cardinal said baptism made every Christian a member of the Church and entrusted them with the responsibility of bearing witness to Christ in their villages, communities and society.

He encouraged the faithful to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, how that relationship influenced their lives and how they could put their faith into practice.

Urging them to deepen their spiritual lives, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged daily Bible reading and reflection, saying the Word of God should guide their decisions and actions.

He also stressed the importance of prayer in family life, urging families to make time for prayer despite their daily responsibilities. He said prayer offered an opportunity to listen to God, express gratitude and entrust personal worries to Him.

The cardinal further described the Eucharist as an encounter with the living Christ and urged the faithful to receive Holy Communion with an open heart and allow Christ’s presence to transform their lives.

Referring to the Gospel parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, Cardinal Ferrão said Christians must continuously nurture their faith and remain spiritually prepared.

He also emphasised that the values of Christian faith should first be reflected within families. Urging people to make their homes places of love, forgiveness and service, he said those closest to them should recognise their faith through the way they treat one another.