Parish

Every single person we meet is loved by God and is someone Jesus died for. The devotion of most Sacred Heart of Jesus signifies that the heart of Jesus represents God’s unconditional love for humanity. It tells us about the relationship between our God and His people and that we never have to run away from fears and worries but can confidently place our lives in His care. The flaming red heart of Jesus is burning with divine love pierced for our salvation and always remains open inviting us to return. The month of June is dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and on 27th of June the Church celebrates the solemnity of Sacred heart. The feast day is a celebration of God’s never-ending love for us. Our God is a God of love and mercy. Yet the name of Jesus is abused by so many. In today’s world of pain and conflicts He is so often wounded by our words and actions. He keeps reminding us to cultivate peace among ourselves and then extend it to others.

The Catechist overnight mission experience at Birondem was a much-needed opportunity that reminded me of my purpose as a catechist. From the moment I arrived, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The hospitality of the locals and the scenic beauty of the riverside location added peace and charm to our time together. The experience definitely brought everyone closer through laughter and joy and it made me understand the bond that we share. Visiting the families was a humbling and touching moment that strengthened my sense of mission and service.

Dear Parishioners,

We are blessed to host the International Exhibition on Eucharistic Miracles of the World from April 28 to May 4, 2025, at St. Sebastian Church, Aquem. This powerful exhibition, based on the work of Blessed Carlo Acutis, showcases Eucharistic Miracles from around the world, deepening our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

We are honored that His Eminence, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão will inaugurate the exhibition.

Every person wants a perfect set of white teeth that can be flaunted while smiling with a sense of confidence. However, your teeth may get discoloured with time due to various reasons which can affect your overall smile.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is used to make the surface of the teeth appear whiter. It can be a very effective way of lightening the existing color, without causing any damage to the tooth’s surface.

Kantaram Lharam 3rd Edition: A Celebration of Konkani Solo and Duet Singing at St. Sebastian Parish, Aquem
The vibrant and culturally rich tradition of Konkani music is all set to take center stage once again at St. Sebastian Parish this January 2025. This annual event, which has become a staple in the local cultural calendar is set to welcome participants from all Parishes of Goa, showcasing the immense talent and passion for Konkani music in all its forms.

Novea Vorsak Kitem Novem? Novem Voros tumkam sogllea Firgoz karank anvddetam Fr. Josely ani mhojea nanvàn kuxealborit-anondborit hem Novem Voros zaumdi.Punn kitem Novem? Novem dress, Novem suit sogllem nesonn Novem, moche nove naka? Borem borem, tevui addumya. Anik kitem Novem? Table cloth, chair, covers new plastic flowers to be placed in the hall? Zaum tuvem boro ughddas kelo nam tor, amchem Sal khali khali dispachem. Nitoll korpachem anik kitem urlam?

In konkani, we normally say,”khoincheanuch ailem. anim khuincheanuch ghelem”..Yes, seconds, minutes, hours, days and months just passed away forcing the year 2024 to gradually fade into oblivion. Was this year different from the other years? Well, we could get lot of divergent views, more so as the year gone by was a leap year. In this context it would be very interesting to try and listen to those who still believe in superstition and may have lots to complain about the negative happenings of the past year. They must be happy to heave a sigh of relief which will hopefully last for the next four years until the arrival of the next leap year.

On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council, it is with great joy and gratitude that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our beloved Church Magazine ‘Pormoll’ on the momentous occasion of its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter of a century, this publication has been a vital form of communication, connecting our parish community, spreading the Word of God, and celebrating the life and mission of our Church.
It is also heartening to note that we are celebrating the Jubilee of the Church Magazine coinciding with the commencement of the Jubilee year 2025 from 24th December 2024 with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Our Parish has been fortunate to have a committed team in ‘Pormoll’ in the form of Priest Coordinators, Editors, Writers, Designers who have transitioned through the times and stayed relevant all these 25 years.
The ‘Pormoll’ has shared in the communion building goal of the Parish Pastoral Council which is the main Pastoral Body of the Parish, representing all sections of the People of God in the Parish and meant to function as the Principal form of collaboration, dialogue and discernment at the Parish. We are happy to note that the Church Magazine has aptly played its role as a communion builder.

INTRODUCTION:
There are so many celebrated works in honor and praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary; however, the praise of Mary is an inexhaustible fountain, the more it is enlarged the fuller it gets, and the more you fill it, so much more it is enlarged. In fact, our dear Mother is great and sublime, that the more she is praised the more there remains to be praised. The source of her honor is in the fact that she is called: THE MOTHER OF GOD- Theotokos.

THE WORD ‘THEOTOKOS’
The dogma of the Theotokos proclaims that Mary is the true Mother of Jesus who is God the Son made man. This work on the Theotokos, therefore, attempts to bring simple insights to ordinary minds about the place of Mary as the Mother of God. Theotokos. The Word Theotokos derives from two Greek words, (theos) meaning “God” and (tokos) meaning “parturition or childbirth.” When this is translated literally, it would mean “God- bearer” or “the one who gives birth to God.” The writings of Henry Newman taught, “Mary was no mere instrument of God’s dispensation. The Word of God did not merely pass through her as He may pass through us in Holy Communion. It was no heavenly body which the Eternal Son assumed. No, He imbibed; He sucked up her blood and her substance into His Divine person. He became man from her and received her lineaments and her features as the appearance and character under which He should manifest Himself to the world. He was known, doubtless, by His likeness to her, to be her Son.