St. Sebastian Church

Saint Joaquim and Saint Anne whose feast we celebrate on 26th July are the maternal grandparents of Jesus. They are parents of Virgin Mother Mary.

Joaquim was a wealthy generous man who supplied sacrificial sheep to the temple in Jerusalem and his wife Anne a pious, devout lady full of compassion. They were childless for a long time and Saint Anne was advanced in age. However, they never lost hope in GOD. Prayed incessantly to God to bless them with a child. It is written in the books that St. Joaquim and St. Anne arrived in the temple to make an offering. But were rejected by a man named Rubim likely a Leviticus priest, because they were childless saying it is not right for you to bring an offering as you have no offspring in Israel. To be childless was a disfavour from God.

World Nature Conservation Day, observed annually on July 28, serves as a crucial reminder of the need to preserve and protect our planet’s precious natural resources. Nature is not merely the scenic backdrop to human life—it is the very lifeline that sustains us. Despite the wealth of knowledge, research, and education that has been dedicated to environmental conservation, it is deeply concerning that much of the world continues to neglect or underestimate the urgency of this issue. With the escalating threats of climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this observance calls upon individuals, communities, and governments alike to reflect, act, and adopt more responsible and sustainable practices. World Nature Conservation Day is not just about awareness—it is a call to action to safeguard the future of our planet.

Hea vorsa ,Sant Anton-ichem Trezen ani Porob vhodde bhoktin ani umedin zalem. Hea tera disanchea Trezen/Porbek amchea ganvcho tosoch lagxilea ganvcho, zoxem St.Jose de Areal, Davorlim, Chandor, Raia, Curtorim, Quepem, adi, zaito lok hajir zalo. Sogleanim ap-aplim veg-vegllim magnnim, Bhagivont Anton-ik fuddem ghalun Devak ubarlim. Khoxechi khobor mhollear Zaiteanchim magnnim Devan xarti pavoilim ani sobemazar tannim Devache upkar attoile. Khorench sangatim eka-meka passot jednam ami magtanv, Devak amchem magnnem avoddta ani maglolem favo korta. Devache vhodd upkar.!!

Maiache 31ver amcho novo Padr Vigar, Fr.Simpliciano Fernandes, hannem Maddiecher axirvad ghatlo. Novea Padr Vigar-ak, fulam bhettoun, hajir aslelea firgozkaranim ievkar dilo.

From the cannonball to the classroom, St. Ignatius of Loyola left a legacy far greater than he ever imagined. Born in Spain in 1491, Ignatius was a courtier and soldier, ambitious for honour and glory. But everything changed when a cannonball shattered his leg—and with it, his dreams of fame. During his long recovery, he read about the life of Christ and the Saints and his heart turned toward a deeper calling.

He famously wrote, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his soul?”, he gave up everything for Christ. His spiritual awakening led to the founding of the Society of Jesus—the Jesuits—in 1540. The Jesuits became known for their discipline, commitment to education, and missionary zeal. But for Ignatius, their core mission was simple: “to find God in all things”.

St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most inspiring women in the Bible. Her life shows us how God’s love can transform a person completely. She teaches us about faith, courage, and deep devotion to Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene came from a town called Magdala, near the Sea of Galilee. The Bible tells us that Jesus healed her by casting out seven demons (Luke 8:2). After that, she followed Him faithfully, along with a few other women who helped in His ministry. Her healing was not just physical, but spiritual. Jesus gave her a new life, and in return, she gave Him her heart.

Our Lady Our Mother Mary has many names and one of them is Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This title commemorates her role as Patroness of the Carmelite Order revered by Catholics all over the world.

The devotion is rooted in the biblical story of Elijah’s triumph on Mount Carmel, the mountain in Israel significant for the biblical story of Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal, where fire from heaven validated the one true God, and the tradition of hermits who lived on the mountain in the late 12th and early to mid-13th century who thereafter built a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

“Age is a gift, a beautiful gift to be cherished. A gift that offers us memories, reminders of how fortunate we’ve been through the years and of all the people who have blessed the journey we’ve taken. As seniors, we’ve lived and learned, we’ve laughed and cried, we’ve loved and been loved in return. And there is still more to come! “
(Bishop O’Connell’s message)

In the Jubilee year, the Day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.

As Pope St. John Paul II said: “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”

Every year on July 20, communities around the world observe Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Day—a time to reflect on the natural, holistic, and ethical approach to family planning that respects both the human body and the dignity of life. Rooted in education, science, and a deep respect for human fertility, NFP is more than just a method of birth regulation; it is a lifestyle grounded in self-knowledge, responsibility, and communication.

If you’re looking to live a long life on earth, there’s a valuable teaching from Jesus Christ that can guide you. As recorded in Matthew 9:37 and Luke 10:2, Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” This passage suggests that those who serve Jesus faithfully and efficiently will be valued and retained on earth for a long time, as there is little work for them in heaven.

To become a disciple of Jesus and reap the benefits of a long life, one must obey the Ten Commandments and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Jesus promises “fullness of life” to those who follow him, as stated in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Iere, Iere Pausa, Tula ditam paisa, paisa zalo khotto ani Paus ailo motto. Oxi amche modem ek mhonnim asa. Vell bodollo ani kallui bodollo ghimacho kall somplo ani pausacho kall suru. Ghormi zatali ti sompli ani xitoll vatavoronn suru zalem. Zadd pedd sukem diso tem atam jivall zalem. Zomin pausan fugli ani hirvem hirvem, tonn disunk laglem. Zadd pedd jivall zalem ani nisorg sogllench hansunk laglem Pritvechem rup soglem jivem zalem. Suttio sompun atam Bhurgim Iskolak ani Collegik vosunk laglim. Toxench novem Ghonvllik voros suru zalem. Xikxonnik mhollar Vidiarti Iskol kobar korun Collegint paul martat toxem Xikxok anchi adoll bodollnim zata. Toxich Firgojent vaurtolea Ghonvllianchi adoll bodollnim zata. Konknnin ek mhunnim asa Ailolo Monis vochunkuch zai. Thodde zaitea kallan zalear dusre thoddeach tempan. Fr. Josely ani Fr.Agnelo, tumche Iadnik ekach vorsan vetat tori astana Gonvllik vaur korunk zai aslo tho voros bor kelo. Amkam Gonvllik vaur korunk zaiteamnim borpur adar dilo soglleank tumkam nanv ghe nastanam Dev borem korum mhonnttanv.