Pro-Life Department

PRO-LIFE DEPARTMENT (PLD):

Science is evolving in its findings and so is spirituality in its knowing, understanding and experiencing its Creator, the very source of existence. Centuries ago the two were poles apart. But now as they seem to be merging one into another, life seems to be more beautiful than before. every moment seems to be meaningful. Life is more than physical, biological, physiological and mental process. It is the ‘inner being’ that is ‘Life’. The other processes make it possible for ‘Life’ to be expressed. The inner being’ which is always in the present is always at peace. Therefore being awake to this ‘inner being’ moment by moment is a higher way of being ‘Pro-life’. Practicing just being present to ‘The Presence’, ultimately leads us to the fulfillment of life, that is, ‘Joy in abundance’.

Human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities towards God, self and others; and that society , through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nuture human life at every stage of its existence.

DFSC, through its Pro-Life department conducts a session for the MFP, besides having yearly seminars for teachers/students on prolife issues viz. Emerging Demographic Profile, benefits of having a large family, adverse effects of contraception, awareness on the culture of death and embracing the culture of life etc..

Contact DFSC office Panaji (2224140) or Margao (8856935395) for running these programmes in your village/Parish/School. Email: dfscgoa@gmail.com, dfscmargao@gmail.com

As part of the observance of Prolife Month, a meaningful and informative session was held on 16th December, 2025 at St. Thereza’s Higher Secondary School, Candolim, organized by the ‘Pro-life Department’ of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa. The programme aimed to create awareness about the sacredness of life and the responsibility entrusted to human beings as caretakers of God’s gift of life.

The session began with a warm welcome by the compere, who warmly greeted the gathering and briefly introduced the purpose of the programme. This was followed by a short prayer, invoking God’s blessings for the success of the session and reflecting on the theme of life as a divine gift.

The Principal Madam Rita D’Silva then delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of Prolife Month and appreciating the efforts of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa in guiding students towards values that respect and protect life. A floral welcome was then extended by the Manager Rev. Fr. Ryan Estibeiro to the guest speaker Rev. Fr. Jeronimo D’Silva, the Vice-Principal of the Rosary College, Navelim as a token of respect and gratitude. Fr. also welcomed the entire team inclusive of Mrs. Augusta Cardozo and Mrs. Francisca Fernandes, the faculty of the Diocesan Family Service Centre.

The programme continued with the introduction of Fr. Jeronimo, the resource person for the day. His background and contributions in the field of family and life ministry were briefly highlighted. Fr. Jeronimo then delivered his session to the students. His session was the highlight of the programme. He spoke eloquently on the theme “God the Giver and Human the Caretaker of Life”, emphasizing that life is a precious gift from God and that every human being has a moral responsibility to protect, nurture, and respect it from conception to natural death. His talk was thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging students to develop a prolife attitude in their daily lives.

An interactive ‘question-and-answer’ session followed, during which students actively participated by asking relevant questions. Fr. Jeronimo responded patiently, clarifying doubts and deepening the participants’ understanding of prolife values. There was a short tea break after which the next session was conducted for the teachers. 

Fr. Jeronimo, in his session, emphasized the crucial role teachers play in early identification and prevention, as they often spend significant time with children and adolescents. He highlighted common emotional, behavioral, and social warning signs of depression and distress in students, such as persistent sadness, withdrawal from peers, sudden changes in academic performance, loss of interest in activities, and noticeable changes in behavior or mood. The session stressed the importance of observing patterns over time rather than isolated incidents.

The talk for the teachers focused on compassionate listening, timely intervention, and appropriate referral. Teachers were encouraged to create a supportive classroom environment, maintain open communication, and collaborate with parents, counselors, and school authorities when concerns arise. Fr. Jeronimo also underscored the value of fostering hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging among students. The session concluded with a reminder that early identification and supportive action can save lives, aligning with the spirit of Pro-Life Month. 

After the sessions, tokens of appreciation were presented to Fr. Jeronimo as a gesture of gratitude.  Also, the other members present were felicitated for their exceptional contribution in the Diocesan Family Service Centre. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by a student, acknowledging the organizers, the guest speaker, and all those who contributed to the success of the event.

The programme ended on a pleasant note with lunch, giving the participants an opportunity to reflect informally on the session and interact with one another.

Overall, the session was enriching and successful, leaving the participants with a deeper respect for life and a renewed sense of responsibility as caretakers of God’s creation.

On 13 th August 2024 the Value Education and Personality Development Cell of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, in collaboration with Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa organized a series of impactful sessions as part of the Value Education classes. The sessions were designed to cater to three different groups, engaging a total of 350 students across the college.

The highlight of the day was a thought – provoking session on Pro-Life delivered by Dr. Roshan Nazareth, a highly experienced and esteemed medical professional. Dr. Nazareth’s expertise and compassionate approach made the session not only informative but also deeply resonant with the students. He addressed the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the pro-Life movement. Emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Dr. Nazareth provided valuable insights into the ethical, moral and medical dimensions of life – related issues, drawing on his extensive experience in the field. His session was particularly focused on the importance of protecting and valuing life at all stages, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the Pro-Life stance within the context of human dignity and ethics.

The session was meticulously co- ordinated by Fr. Francisco Fernandes and Fr. Ramiro Luis, who are closely associated with the Diocesan Family Service Centre, Goa. Their joint efforts ensured the smooth execution of the event and facilitated a conducive environment for open dialogue. An enriching question – answer session followed the talk, where students were encouraged to ask questions and engage with the speaker. This interactive segment allowed the students to delve deeper into the topic, addressing some of the most meaningful and challenging questions related to life and its inherent value. The opportunity to interact directly with an expert like Dr. Nazareth provided the students with clarity on various pro-life issues. Leaving them with a greater appreciation and respect for the sanctity of life.

Overall, the session was a significant success, enriching the students’ understanding of Pro-Life values and leaving a lasting impact on their perspectives towards life and its protection.