Book launch: ‘A Church on a Journey’ by Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira

Goa Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão released A Church on a Journey: The Archdiocese of Goa and its Governors, authored by Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, at the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, recently. The launch coincided with the author’s 75^th birthday. Fr Pereira is the secretary to the archbishop.

The event was attended by Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman; Bishop Alex Dias SFX, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair; Bishop Alwyn Barretto, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg; Prof Maria Isabel de Santa Rita Vás, author, playwright, theatre director and teacher; and Fr Myron Jeson Barreto, Manager of New Age Printers, Verna.

The book has been published by New Age Printers, Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The book traces five centuries of the archdiocese’s history through the lives and ministries of its bishops and priests.

WHAT THEY SAID

Cardinal Ferrão described the book as “a labor of love” and “a narrative of faith, leadership and community that has journeyed for over five centuries.” He emphasised that the volume goes beyond dates and facts to capture “the spirit of the times and the character of the bishops who shepherded the faithful through peace, growth and transformation.”

Highlighting continuity and change, the cardinal noted that each bishop left a unique imprint, whether as builders, reformers or visionaries. He praised Fr Pereira for his “discretion, grace, and quiet faithfulness” over three decades, calling him a “meticulous chronicler and lover of history.”

Introducing the book, Prof Maria Isabel de Santa Rita Vás, described it as “a work of great love and care” and “an essential contribution to the study of the church in Goa.”

She highlighted that Fr Pereira, with nearly five decades in priestly ministry and over 30 years at the Bishop’s House, brought firsthand knowledge, historical insight, and linguistic skills to the volume. She added that the book is the first in English to feature all the governors of the church— bishops and priests — in Goa and will appeal to both students of church history and Goans in general.

“The volume is beautifully illustrated, well-structured and deeply researched,” she said, calling it “a remarkable contribution to understanding the church’s faith, challenges and enduring spirit in Goa.”

BEHIND THE BOOK

Fr Pereira explained that the book was inspired by the 35 portraits of archdiocesan governors in the Throne Hall of the Archbishop’s House.

“Over time, they seemed to plead, ‘Take us into the world; let people know who we were.’ After years of their silent appeal, I finally responded — and this book is the result,” he said.

Sharing select anecdotes, he highlighted the visionary and compassionate deeds of past archbishops. He also acknowledged the church’s complex history, including colonial influence and cultural imposition, but emphasised that the book portrays its full spectrum — faith, struggles, and evolution.

Expressing satisfaction, Fr Pereira concluded, “I am immensely glad I finally did it. Those 35 distinguished figures can now step down from the wall and meet readers and admirers! Their stories deserve to be known.”

Dr Isabel Mendonca Raimundo, Consul General of Portugal in Goa, and her husband Dr Luis Pereira Coutinho, were present on the occasion. Fr Myron welcomed the gathering. Marian hymns were presented by Omar de Loiola Pereira and his choir. Fr (Dr) Ramiro Luis anchored the event, which ended with a vote of thanks by Fr Onasis D’Cruz.

For details, contact New Age Printers at +91 9370480699 or +91 9923539749.