The morning of 3rd March, is different for the parishioners of Aquem-Alto, Margao. It’s time to celebrate as all roads lead to St. Sebastian Church, Aquem, to witness the feast of its Patron Saint, St. Sebastian. The preparatory nine days’ Fama & Novena has finally culminated in the grand feast in honour of a saint who is looked upon as a healer of major sicknesses. Many of the Churches and Chapels in Goa, especially in South Goa, are dedicated to St. Sebastian as many years back, people who were infected with a plague were saved due to the intercession of St. Sebastian. Even the hymn of St. Sebastian mentions the deadly disease of small pox to be cured through his intercession. This only proves how powerful St. Sebastian was and continues to be.
You and I are very fortunate to be a part of this year’s celebrations. If we can, spare a thought for all those brothers and sisters who were present last year but sadly have left for their heavenly abode. Today many people are sick and there is so much of suffering and pain. People struggling with all sorts of Cancer, people bed-ridden with paralysis, people enduring different strokes, the list is endless. We the fortunate ones, should thank God for protecting us from all the dangers of these sicknesses. We cannot imagine the pain and the distress the entire family has to endure, when these type of sicknesses hooks you as a victim. In fact, reality dawns on us, only when one of our own, in the family or in the inner ring of friends, are effected.
We all pray to God, attend healing sessions, and pray to Saints to intercede for us, but everything appears to be in vain. Have our sins turned into a wall, dividing us from God’s loving care? Is God punishing us, for the numerous sins committed by us? Are we not praying enough or is there something lacking? Well these are all sorts of questions in our minds, seeking answers. Personally for me, the fact of the matter is our loving God cares for all of us. God will never punish us as He is a forgiving and loving God, longing to receive us in His arms. He knows what is best for us and above all He acts for us when the time is right, Let us continue to do our part by praying fervently and leave everything in God’s hands.
Wishing one and all a very Happy Feast. May St. Sebastian intercede for us and protect us from every sickness.
Until we meet again.
Pormoll Editor
(Felix Dias)