The Origins and Evolution of the Goan Chaplaincy in the United Kingdom

The story of the Goan Chaplaincy UK is an inspiring journey of faith, diaspora and Goan community preservation. What began as a broad initiative to support Asian immigrants in London has evolved into a vibrant, multi-regional pastoral mission anchored by the Society of Pilar (Pilar Fathers) across London, Swindon and beyond.

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Broadening Horizons: The Early Migration (1960s – 1980s)

During the 1960s, a steady influx of migrants arrived in the United Kingdom. Among them were visiting priests and expatriate Catholics, including members of the Goan diaspora.

Navigating life in a new country, these faithful required pastoral care tailored to their unique circumstances—support extending beyond standard parish services. There was a vital need for liturgies, sacramental preparations and cultural programs held in their own language (Mai Bhas) to foster a sense of belonging while aiding their gradual integration into British society.

Recognizing these evolving demographics, the late Cardinal Hume initiated the Asian Chaplaincy in London in the late 1980s to help newly arrived Asian immigrants integrate into local Catholic communities.

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From “Asian Chaplaincy” to a Dedicated Identity (2005)

As the years progressed—particularly into the late 20th century—the Catholic population in the UK grew increasingly diverse. Communities from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds began seeking pastors who understood their specific linguistic and cultural heritage.

Over time, distinct chaplaincies were established for various Asian groups, including Chinese, Japanese, Tamil, Filipino and Mauritian communities. Consequently, the overarching term “Asian Chaplaincy” no longer accurately reflected the specific identity of the people it served.

Historically, the Goan Chaplaincy office has moved alongside the migration of its people:

• 1991: Based in Wimbledon
• 1999: Base moved to Deptford, with an office in Hammersmith
• 2005: Shifted to Mitcham (SS Peter and Paul Church)

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The Evolution of the Goan Chaplaincy UK – Strategic Relocation: The Move to Osterley

In a major milestone for the London Goan community, the Diocese of Westminster entrusted the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Osterley to the Pilar Fathers.

• New Leadership: Fr. Feroz Fernandes was appointed Parish Priest at Osterley, stepping into the role following the passing of beloved longtime pastor Fr. Mark Leenane.
• Strategic Reach: Located in the Borough of Hounslow (just 10 minutes from Heathrow Airport), Osterley places the Chaplaincy right at the heart of key diaspora hubs such as Hounslow, Cranford, Wembley, Southall and Hayes. Travel times for priests conducting sacramental ministry have been reduced from 90+ minutes to within a 35-minute radius.
• Promoting Devotion: The move also boosts efforts by Local Superior Fr. Stephen Dias and the Friends of the Association of Fr. Agnelo to spread devotion to Venerable Agnelo de Souza throughout the region.

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Expanding to Swindon: Bringing Faith Westward (2016 – Present)

As thousands of Goans settled outside London, pastoral support expanded into the Diocese of Clifton:

• 2016: Bishop Declan invited the Pilar Fathers to formally establish the Goan Chaplaincy in Swindon.
• April 22, 2017: The Swindon Goan Chaplaincy was officially inaugurated with a Mass celebrated by Very Rev. Liam Slattery, Vicar General of the Diocese.
• April 23, 2017: The community held its first official Goan Chaplaincy social to mark this historic milestone.

Evolution of the Seat in Swindon

1. Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Royal Wootton Bassett): Served as the initial seat, with Rev. Fr. Lucas Rodrigues, SFX, appointed as the first Goan Chaplain of Swindon and Parish Priest.
2. St. Peter’s Catholic Church (West Swindon, 2019): The seat shifted when Fr. Lucas took charge of St. Peter’s.
3. Holy Rood Catholic Church (2023 – Present): Bishop Declan Lang entrusted Holy Rood to the Pilar Fathers, with Fr. Lucas Rodrigues as Parish Priest. Today, Holy Rood serves as the primary seat for the Goan Chaplaincy in Swindon.

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Addressing Reality: Faith, Family, and Integration Struggles

Navigating life in the UK brings distinct cultural and lifestyle challenges for Goan families. Reflecting on a decade of pastoral service across the dioceses of Southwark, Westminster and Brentwood, outgoing Goan Chaplain Fr. Patrick D’Souza, SFX, highlighted the reality behind the diaspora experience:

“Life in the UK is very difficult for any newcomer. It is a struggle, especially adapting to culture and lifestyle in the UK… Most of our Goan families are doing well financially, but sometimes it is at the cost of strained relationships between spouses and between parents and children. This has been the biggest challenge for the chaplains in the UK.”

— Fr. Patrick D’Souza, SFX (Outgoing Goan Chaplain)

To address these tensions, the Chaplaincy has increasingly focused on practical support alongside spiritual care:

• Marriage & Family Support: Coaching sessions for young couples to help build stable homes, navigate stress and open regular channels of communication.
• Youth Ministry & Morals: Active outreach by chaplains across London and Swindon (including Fr. Lucas, Fr. Francis and Fr. Mark) to keep young people grounded in Christian values and foster religious vocations within the diaspora.
• Preserving Community: Monthly gatherings after Konkani Masses—often sharing tea, coffee and Housie (Bingo)—provide vital social connection for elderly Goans facing loneliness, while offering space for middle-aged members to share career and family updates.

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Passing the Torch: Welcoming a New Chaplain

After 10 years of dedicated service, Fr. Patrick D’Souza is returning to Goa for his next mission. Taking over as the new Goan Chaplain in the UK is Fr. Renato Andrade, SFX.

Ordained in 2014 and hailing from Colomord in Navelim-Goa, Fr. Renato brings a rich missionary background, having served in Jharkhand, Kolkata and most recently in the interior hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

“This move from the interiors of an Indian state to the UK is God’s mission for me. The Goan community in the UK are strong followers of the faith. My desire and goal will be to promote God’s mission, the Eucharist, and to keep families together.”

— Fr. Renato Andrade, SFX (Incoming Goan Chaplain)

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The Pilar Fathers in the UK Today

Since arriving in the early 1990s, the Society of Pilar has grown to seven priests ministering across four dioceses (Southwark, Westminster, Brentwood, and Clifton):

Through liturgical celebrations, pastoral care in Konkani, marriage counseling and youth guidance, the Goan Chaplaincy continues to bring life and joy to the Catholic Church in the UK.

Source / Reference: Goan Chaplaincy Swindon – About Us