The month of May is generally very hot and humid but the parishioners of St. Sebastian Church, Aquem had an added dose of unhappiness when they got the confirmed news about the transfer of their both Parish Priests.

Before we could even realize the seven year term of Fr. Andrew Pereira as Parish Priest is over and its’ time for him to hand over the reigns to the incoming Parish Priest. His care and attention to all the members of the Parish family, his visitation of the sick and elderly with Holy Communion, his energy, skill and organizational ability, his provision of Mass and Sacraments all add up for being much appreciated by the parishioners. He has always been generous with his time for his flock. In the fight against Covid, which forced the closure of our Church for months on end, he continued to engage directly with the people through electronic media and found ways to keep them connected and growing in spirituality. We can’t thank you enough Father Andrew. Together we have achieved a lot under your strong and energetic leadership. We wish you Fr. Andrew every success at Holy Cross Church, Quepem. Read more

Shania Miranda, a 9-year-old studying at Bloomz International School, has marked her niche in academics and sports alike and has bagged several awards for the same. She has published her first book, Shania’s Adventures, and received a Silver Star Medallion award for being the best-selling young author at the state level by NYAF (National Young Author’s Fair). She secured third place in the NELTAS International Olympiad in the Science Grand Finale and won the Achiever’s Medal in Maths, science, English, and spelling bee competitions. In sports, she has excelled in various events with golds and has bagged the all-rounder Best Athlete Trophy by BIS. She also won at the BPS club-level chess tournament and was felicitated by BPS Sports Club at the 84th Annual Club Meet for her state-level achievements in April 2024. She has also bagged gold in the freestyle swimming medley relay at the 34th All Goa Swimming Sub-Junior and Junior Level Aquatic Championship organized by SAG (Swimming Association of Goa). Congratulations to Shania on all her achievements and wishing her more power and strength to conquer her dreams.
(Shania Miranda is the daughter of Mukesh Miranda and Dr. Trisha Torcato of ward 12)

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Bhagevont ANTON–ichem TREZEN ani Porob – June 2024

Bhagevont Anton-ichem Trezen suru zata, Sonvara-dis, Poiler Jun-ache, Aquem Tolebando Kopelant.

Sanjechea 5:30 voramcher Ters ani Ladainh ani uprant 6:00 voramcher Mis.

Sukrara -dis 31ver Maiache, donparchea bara voramcher Maddiecher axirvad astolo.

Porbechem Mis 6:00 vaztam. Sogleank hajir zaunk vinonti asa.

Mogall Firgozkaramno,
Roman Poet Virgil oxem mhonnta, “All our sweetest hours fly fastest” punn dukhacheo ghoddneo soron soronam. Korezmacho challis disancho dukhacho ani koxttancho kall soron soronam oxem zaiteank zalem astelem. Punn atam dukh sorun kuxalkaiecho ani zoitacho Paskancho kall suru zalo. Jezu morun punorjivont zalo.
“Hanvem tumkam kelam toxench tumi-i korat” Jn.13/15. Him Jezuchim nimannea jevnnar paim dutanam udgarlolim utram polloum-ia. Jezuchea bovxik vavrant Tannem zaitem borem kelem, borem xikoilem, pekovnni dili, jivit dilem, jevonn dilem, pivonn dilem, bogsonnem dilem, buzvonn dili, sangat dilo, adhar ani dhir dilo. Dusrea utramnim mell’loleank apli zata titli seva dili. Jezun Apnnem kelolea sogllea vavracho sonkxep (summary) koso Aplea nimannea jevnna velo uttun aplea xisanche paim dutanam aplea xisank sanglo. Read more

The Annunciation of the Lord is the biblical event in which the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. The actual date for this solemnity is 25th March, but because the actual date falls in the Holy Week, it will be celebrated on 8th April 2024, the Monday after the second Sunday of Easter. This solemnity or event carries significant messages for our lives: Read more

24th Mar Sun Palm Sunday – blessing of Palms
6:00 pm (Saturday – 23rd Mar) Ward 8+9
6:15 AM Ward 10+11
7:30 AM Ward 12 +13
9:00 AM Ward 14 + 15 Read more

St. Sebastian Church, Aquem’s ‘Kantaram Lharam’ creates buzz with solo and duet singing competition

Many things come and dis- appear. Also some things come and stay on but we have observed that very few things come and create an instant impact with strong life and long memories. One of such things or events is the “Kantaram Lharam”, a solo and duet singing competition organised by the St. Sebastian Church, Aquem.

In the initial year, this competition was held on 27th November 2022 and was organised by the Parish Pastoral council of the church, for parishioners from different parishes in and around Margao Deanery and a few other selected parishes. A lot of help and encouragement from the Priests in these parishes enabled the organisers to rope in around 50 contestants, out of which 22 for solo singing and 6 for duet singing, got through the audition round and qualified for the finals. The organizers, having no past experience in organising such an event, came out in flying colours earning accolades from a lot of people. In fact a concept of singing competition in our town was instantly created. Read more

The story of Our Lady of Lourdes revolves around a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous, who, in 1858, experienced apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the town of Lourdes, France. These apparitions occurred a total of 18 times, with the Virgin Mary revealing herself as the Immaculate Conception.

During one of these encounters, Our Lady directed Bernadette to dig a spring, which later became known for its purported healing properties. The faithful and the afflicted began visiting this site, seeking solace, healing, and spiritual guidance. Over time, numerous miraculous healings were reported by those who bathed in or drank the waters of the spring, leading to Lourdes becoming a pilgrimage site for millions seeking physical and spiritual healing. Read more