As a parishioner of Aquem being able to share some happy thoughts on an anniversary every year holds a special place in our hearts. Yes, it was the month of December of the year 1999 when our cherished dream of having a Parish Bulletin was fulfilled and ‘PORMOLL’ saw the light of the day. It’s been a long journey of 24 years of unwavering support and good wishes coming from one and all. I am privileged to be associated with this magazine since its inception. Thanks for joining us on this beautiful journey!! Here’s to many more years!!

It’s that time of the year everyone longs for – the young and the old alike. The Season of Joy. The joy of music all around bringing forth the joy of Christmas. Truly the birth of Christ is a story of joy. “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10). The focus of our joy is on Christ child, the baby Jesus who lay in a manger, over 2 thousand years ago. In fact in a couple of years we will be joyfully celebrating the Jubilee 2025. The Jubilee marks 2025 years of the birth of Jesus Christ. Along with other Churches in India, our very own Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, has already inaugurated the preparations of the Jubilee year, last month at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. The motto of these celebrations of ordinary Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope” as Pope Francis underscores the importance of hope in Christian life amidst uncertainties and hardships created by the pandemic and wars.

We are in the multi-faceted period, preparing for this birth of Christ, a period we call advent. The church has traditionally assigned four virtues to each of the four Sundays, starting on 3rd December `23: Hope, Peace, joy and Love. This period is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for the birth of Christ in the world as it is today. It is a time for us and our families to remember, through prayers, reflections, special music and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is to all of us. Let us ask our Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness to send the Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

May the spirit of this Season infuse your life and that of each member of your family, with hope, positivity, love and joy. May your presents be many, your worries few and your joy endless!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Until we meet again in the coming New year 2024!!

Take care and stay safe.

– Felix Dias (Editor)