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Following the 40 days of abstinence during Lent, it was truly a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, Easter, one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic faith, was not just about attending the Easter vigil and midnight Mass or munching on Easter eggs but to many it is an occasion to follow their own age old traditions. It was a day of eating and making merry with family and friends.

Children enjoyed the breaking of Easter eggs after doing the egg-hunt, with some having their names designed on the eggs artistically. It was a reflection of some cherished traditions, both past and present, those that make Easter truly special.

On May 1st, the Church commemorates St Joseph the Worker, celebrating not just the foster father of Jesus, but also the dignity of human labour. Instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955, this feast day aligned the Church’s teachings with the global observance of Labour Day, offering St Joseph as a model for workers around the world.

In the Gospels, Joseph is a quiet presence—no recorded words, only actions. He is described simply as a “just man” and a carpenter. Yet, it is through his daily toil, his obedience, and his unwavering commitment to his family that he participates in God’s plan of salvation. Joseph reminds us that the value of work is not in its prestige but in the spirit of service and love with which it is done.

From a very young age we have learnt to make the Sign of the Cross on ourselves and we have taught our children to do the same. The Cross holds the most prominent place in our churches. We ornament our homes, cars, our necks etc. with a cross. We have crosses everywhere in Goa, and we honour them. We exalt the Cross because it reveals to us the passionate Love of God the Father for us. While we were still sinners, He sent His only Begotten Son to suffer and die for us, to save us from the clutches of Satan, and bring us into His heavenly kingdom.

In Goa, we know of the Holy Cross Churches that celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross. They are packed with faith-filled Christians attending the entire novena leading to the feast, singing joyous hymns, to celebrate the feast. It is most surprising that we celebrate the feast of an Instrument used for the killing of the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. Does this make sense? It is important that we take a fresh look at the Cross, in a way that will help us to appreciate the value of the Cross and understand better its role in the struggles of our daily life.

May 13 is the Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, to the three shepherd children -Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, in the small village of Fatima in Portugal, six times between May 13 and October 13, in 1917.

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated annually on May 13th to commemorate the First Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children.

On the 13th day of the month of Our Lady, May 1917, an apparition of ‘a woman all in white mantle, edged with gold with a Rosary in her hand, a resplendent figure, more brilliant than the sun’ presented herself to the three children when they were tending the sheep in the field. The woman asked them to pray and devote themselves to the Holy Trinity and to pray the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the First World War. She also revealed that the children would suffer, especially from the unbelief of their friends and families, and that the younger children, Francisco and Jacinta would be taken to heaven very soon but Lucia would live longer in order to spread her message and devotion to the Immaculate Heart.

Saint Matthias replaced Judas as the twelfth Apostle, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Saint Matthias is the patron saint of carpenters, tailors, those with smallpox, and in prayers for perseverance and for hope.

His feast was originally celebrated on February 24 (or February 25 in leap years) but in 1969 was moved to May 14 so as to be celebrated outside of Lent. He is often seen pictured with an axe; this is because it is believed that he was beheaded by an axe.

St. Matthias was born at Bethlehem of the Tribe of Judah. From his early childhood he studied the Law of God under the guidance of St. Simeon.

Every year on May 24th, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. This special day reminds us that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is also our mother. She helps us, prays for us, and lovingly leads us closer to her Son. This year, we also celebrate the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, a joyful time to reflect on Mary’s place in our faith and how we can grow closer to her in everyday life.

Did you know that the title “Help of Christians” was made famous by Saint John Bosco? He had a deep love for Mary and built a large church in her honor in Turin, Italy, calling it the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. He often told the young people he worked with to always trust in Mary, saying, “Have faith in Mary, and you will see what miracles are!”

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;

Proverbs 31:25-28

Although it may seem logically paradoxical, there’s a timeless wisdom nestled within the saying: “God couldn’t be everywhere, so He created mothers.” Beneath its poetic surface lies a profound truth—an acknowledgment of the boundless love, care, and presence that mothers bring into our lives. In that single thought exists an entire universe of meaning, compassion, and grace.

Happiness and health are deeply connected. When we are happy, our body and mind function better. Many people believe that to be happy, we must first be healthy. But in truth, it often works the other way around—happiness itself can lead to good health. That is why we say, “Happiness is the key to health.”

Scientific studies have shown that happy people tend to live longer, have stronger immune systems, and suffer less from stress-related illnesses. This is because happiness releases positive chemicals in the brain, like endorphins and serotonin, which improve our mood, reduce pain, and protect our heart. In contrast, constant sadness, anger, or stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of diseases.

This exhibition is the result of the meticulous research and devotion of Bl. Carlo Acutis, a young teenager whose deep love for the Eucharist led him to document these Eucharistic miracles that have occurred across different countries over the centuries. His work was later recognized and compiled into this exhibition, which has since traveled the world, touched countless hearts and inspired a renewed faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Bl. Carlo Acutis is a beacon of hope and testimony for the young minds who are often bewildered with the modern-day technologies. Dear Parents and teenagers, Bl. Carlo is the model for us all. Use technology for the propagation of God’s glory. Through the life of Bl. Carlo we are called to make the right use of technology, download or develop apps for the good cause for our faith. For further reading on the exhibition please visit the website

https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html

Through detailed panels and documented testimonies, this exhibition presents miraculous occurrences where the Eucharist has physically transformed—manifesting as real flesh and blood, radiating light and healing the sick. These divine interventions, authenticated by scientific investigations and ecclesiastical approval, remind us that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol, but truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.