News :Archibald Furtado
The historic Barkur Parish came alive with faith, fervour, and festive joy on 29th June 2026, as the faithful gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Titular Feast of St. Peter the Apostle, their beloved Patron Saint. The occasion was marked by solemn liturgy, heartfelt prayer, and a deep sense of communal belonging that has defined this ancient parish through the centuries.
A Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The principal Eucharistic celebration commenced at 10.30 am, presided over by the Very Rev. Msgr. Francis Xavier Lewis, Vicar General of the Diocese and Rector of the renowned Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur. His gracious presence as the Principal Celebrant lent the occasion a rare solemnity and spiritual gravitas, and the faithful received his participation as a gift and an honour to the parish.
Around a dozen priests from the Kallianpur Deanery, along with several guest priests, concelebrated the Holy Eucharist, filling the sanctuary with a striking visible witness to priestly fraternity and shared faith. The occasion was made all the more special by the presence of three revered retired priests — Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo, a native son of Barkur; Rev. Fr. Xavier Pinto, both of whom had earlier served with distinction as Vicar Forane of Kallianpur; and Rev. Fr. Alphonse D'Lima, another beloved son of the parish and former editor of the monthly Amchi Mai. Their presence was a living bridge between the parish's cherished past and its vibrant present.
A Homily Rooted in Hope
The homily was delivered with warmth and conviction by the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Rikhson Montiero, who drew the congregation into a moving reflection on the life and mission of St. Peter. He spoke of how Jesus looked beyond Peter's ordinariness — a simple fisherman by trade — and saw in him the rock upon which He would build His Church. Fr. Rikhson reminded the faithful that God does not choose the perfect; He perfects those He chooses. Even through failure, denial, and human frailty, God's grace works quietly and powerfully, drawing us ever closer to His purpose. His message was one of profound hope: that no matter how many times we fall, God's mercy never abandons those who place their trust in Him, and every stumble can become a stepping stone to something greater.
Music That Lifted the Spirit
Adding a uniquely joyful dimension to the celebration, the choir was led with great enthusiasm by the Parish Priest himself, Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda. His involvement in the music ministry was a gesture that spoke volumes — of a shepherd not merely directing his flock from a distance, but walking alongside them in worship. The inspiring hymns and prayerful singing that filled the church created an atmosphere of deep devotion and uplifting joy, making the liturgy an experience that touched hearts long after the final blessing.
Felicitation of the Principal Celebrant
As a gesture of deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, Msgr. Francis Xavier Lewis was warmly felicitated by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, together with Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Jossie Babu Fernandes, Secretary Sabitha Picardo, and 200 Ayog Convenor Joseph Fernandes. He was honoured with a traditional shawl and a bouquet — simple gestures that carried the weight of the entire parish's affection and appreciation for his gracious presence on their patronal feast.
Words of Appreciation and Blessing
Before the choir rendered the concluding hymn, Msgr. Francis Xavier Lewis addressed the congregation with warmth and admiration. He congratulated Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda and the entire parish community for their exemplary planning, wholehearted participation, and the vibrant spirit with which they had celebrated their patronal feast. He praised the unity, living faith, and generous hospitality that define Barkur Parish, and invoked God's abundant blessings upon every member of the community — those present in the church and those far away across the world.
In turn, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda extended his feast day greetings to all — parishioners near and abroad — and expressed heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer, benefactor, choir member, and individual whose quiet dedication and generous contribution had made the annual feast celebrations a resounding success. His words reflected not just pastoral courtesy, but a genuine and deep appreciation for a community that continues to celebrate its faith with remarkable devotion and unity.
A Feast That Inspires
The celebration concluded on a joyful and prayerful note, leaving the faithful with renewed inspiration to emulate the qualities that define their patron — St. Peter's unwavering faith that walked on water, his courageous witness even unto martyrdom, and his humble leadership that became the foundation of the universal Church.
As the doors of the parish church opened and the faithful streamed out into the June sunshine, there was a shared sense of grace — of a community rooted in its history, united in its faith, and walking forward together under the watchful intercession of St. Peter the Apostle.
May the Prince of the Apostles continue to intercede for the Barkur Parish family, and may his patronage bring abundant blessings, peace, and renewal to every home and every heart in this beloved community.