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Feast Day: April 29 

The life of Catherine of Siena is a beautiful example of strong faith, courage and love for God. She was born in 1347 in Siena, Italy, during a difficult time when war and disease were common. She was the 25th child in her family. From a very young age, Catherine showed a deep love for God. It is said that when she was just six years old, she had a vision of Jesus and this changed her life completely. 

As she grew older, her family wanted her to get married, but Catherine chose a different path. She decided to dedicate her life to God and joined the Dominican Third Order. She lived a simple life filled with prayer, fasting and helping others. Even though she did not have much formal education, she became very wise and later dictated many letters and spiritual writings that are still read today. 

The meeting began with a prayer led by SCC 1 and 2 invoking God’s guidance and blessings upon everyone gathered. 

Message from the President 

The President of the Parish Pastoral Council addressed the members and reminded them that we are living in challenging times. He spoke about the situations of war around the world and the rising cost of living, which has made life difficult for many. He urged all members to turn to prayer during this season, seeking God’s peace and mercy. He encouraged everyone to build a closer relationship with Jesus by speaking to Him daily and continuing faithfully in prayer. He emphasized that it is not enough to pray only once or in times of need, but that we must pray regularly, trusting that God will hear our prayers. 

The vibrant spirit of Konkani music resonated across the St. Sebastian Church compound, Aquem, on 29th January as Kantaram Lharam 2026, in its much- anticipated 4th edition, took centre stage. This year’s Konkani Singing Competition was conducted across three categories- Cover Solo, Original Solo, and Duet with the newly introduced Original Solo category receiving an enthusiastic response. The event beautifully celebrated Goa’s rich musical heritage while offering a prestigious platform for talented parishioners from across the state. The core objective of Kantaram Lharam remains the promotion and preservation of Konkani music among parish communities in Goa.

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. (John 6:56)

On 18th January 2026, 21 children received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in our Parish. This sacred occasion marked an important milestone in the spiritual journey of the children as they received Jesus for the first time.

The children were well prepared through the preparatory sessions conducted from 8th January to 17th January 2026, with the guidance and support of Fr. Gabriel Lobo, whose involvement greatly enriched the children’s spiritual formation.

Before we talk about the devotions, a little insight into his life. Little we know is that St. Sebastian was an early Christian martyr during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. According to Tradition, Sebastian enlisted in the Roman army so he could gain access to persecuted Christians and care for them in secret. When authorities discovered his Christian identity, they brought him before the Roman emperor Diocletia who sentenced him to death. Sebastian was tied to a post and shot with arrows, yet he miraculously survived. When St. Irene came to bury him, she found him alive, so she brought him home and restored him to health. Because he was shot by arrows and left for dead, and then later beaten to death, Sebastian is sometimes referred to as the saint who was martyred twice. The Pope built a church where they discovered St. Sebastian’s relics, and a trend emerged for centuries after his death, people sought his intercession for protection against plagues as well as the athletes prayed to him. Besides saints Peter and Paul, Sebastian is considered the third patron saint of the city of Rome. He is also the patron of Rio de Janeiro and several other cities in various countries. Most importantly He is our patron saint.

February 11, 2026, marks the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a NOBIS OF THE STOR day woven into the heart of Catholic Devotion since the apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This Feast coincides with the World Day of the Sick, instituted by St. John Paul II on May 13,1992, to foster greater care, compassion and attention for the suffering and their caregivers. This year Pope Leo XIV’s theme for the 34th observance,” The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing the Pain of others,” invites us to embody the Gospel’s call to active mercy.

The Archdiocesan Catechetical Day 2026 was celebrated at Sts. Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo, on 31st January and 1st February 2026, bringing together 205 lay catechists from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman for two days of faith, fellowship, and gratitude.

A unique aspect of this celebration was the overnight stay with parish families, where 107 families warmly welcomed the catechists into their homes. The heartfelt hospitality, cheerful spirit, and generous preparations of the parishioners made the catechists feel truly at home.

Have you ever wondered what makes a church truly special? Is it the size of the building, its history, or the prayers offered there over many years?

When we speak of the Cathedral Church of Goa, we speak of much more than a beautiful structure; we speak of a place deeply rooted in faith and tradition.

Some saints inspire us by their miracles, some by their words, but St. Sebastian touches our hearts by his courage to suffer, to love, and to die for Christ.

He was young. He had a future filled with honour, comfort, and promise. Yet, when the world asked him to be silent about his faith, he chose faithfulness over fear. When he was saved the first time, he could have easily walked away and lived a quiet life. But he did not. He returned to proclaim the Good News, because he knew why he was sent. Pierced by arrows, wounded and rejected, he still did not give up on God or on people.