St. Sebastian Church

Whatever you do, do it with love, as service to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

As I complete my term as the President of the Catechetical Association, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, beautiful memories, and immense joy for having had the opportunity to serve this wonderful parish family.

This journey would never have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of many people who stood beside us throughout this catechetical year.

Carroll Stuhlmueller calls Peter and Paul “Twin Apostles.” Peter he says was responsible for stability and continuity. Paul was “the line of enrichment. He developed the theology of World Apostolate.”

Peter’s true name was Simon. It was Jesus who renamed him ‘Simon Cephas,’ which is an Aramaic word meaning, ‘Rock.’ The Greek word for rock, ‘Petros’ became Simon’s new name, Peter. God established the firm foundation of His Church, on the faith of Peter.
Paul who was known as Saul, had his pride transformed into humility. His name Paulus, meaning “little, less,” demonstrates this. Paul’s zeal for making converts never died. He passionately preached his convictions, always dreaming of new visions, always ready to go where no one has yet laboured for Christ.

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, is one of the oldest and most significant festivals in the Christian church. It uniquely commemorates the birth of a saint rather than their martyrdom, celebrating the miraculous arrival of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ.

The Visitation and Recognition
The miraculous nature of the birth of St. John the Baptist continued during Mary’s visitation to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth. Scripture records that upon hearing Mary’s greeting, the unborn John leapt with joy in Elizabeth’s womb. This event, known as the Visitation, marked John as the first to recognize the presence of the Messiah, Jesus, while both were still in the womb.

A New Pentecost

The Church was born on the day of Pentecost. Yet a local Church like a Parish is refreshed and renewed many times. When a section of the parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we have surely a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit over our Church in abundance. When our 42 youngsters receive this Sacrament of the growth of Christian life the grace flows over the whole Church of St. Sebastian, namely over every member of the Parish community.

From this perspective we will have another Pentecost in our Parish on May, 12 at 4 p.m. when the bishop will lay his hands on the our youngsters and pray over them annointing them with the oil of Chrism. The Spirit of the Lord comes down upon them and upon every member of the Parish family through them. It is a sacrament of community renewal and growth.

In the Old Testament, Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew), was an annual celebration of the giving of the First Covenant. It was a feast of joy and gratitude, celebrating God’s provision for the harvest and his covenant with Israel. According to tradition, the Ten Commandments, were given to Moses on Mount Sinai on this day, 50 days after the Exodus from Egypt, creating a direct parallel to the New Testament, Pentecost, which marks the New Covenant.

The coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) on the Feast of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, marked the out pouring of the Holy Spirit as per Jesus’ promise, on his followers in Jerusalem. The Spirit came and “rested on each one,” at Pentecost. (Acts 2:3). The sound as of a mighty rushing wind and the cloven tongues as of fire, were signs that accompanied, giving the indication of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

St. Athanasius was born around 296 AD in Alexandria. It is believed that he was raised in a good Christian family that helped nurture his faith from a young age.

Even as a child, Athanasius had a special love for God. He was curious, thoughtful, and always eager to understand who Jesus truly is. This deep interest slowly became his life’s calling, and he chose to dedicate himself completely to Christ. Over time, he became the Bishop of Alexandria, guiding people and helping them grow in their faith.

His journey, however, was not easy. Many people during his time believed that Jesus was not truly God. But Athanasius bravely stood up for the truth and supported the teachings of the First Council of Nicaea.

His faith was not just in words he lived as a true bearer of Christ, showing God’s love through his life and teachings. His famous work, On the Incarnation, beautifully explains how Jesus came to save us. Because of his courage, he was sent into exile five times, yet he never gave up. He remained a faithful witness to Christ in every situation.

On the 1st of May, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, this coincides with Labour Day, a reminder that work is not merely a necessity, but a sacred calling.

In Goa, this feast quietly blends into the rhythm of everyday life. We recognise the dignity of work in all its forms, whether it is the fisherman setting out at dawn, the carpenter shaping wood with care, the teacher guiding young minds, or the professional navigating deadlines. In each of these, the spirit of St. Joseph finds a natural home.

St. Joseph’s life was not marked by public recognition or grand achievements. A simple carpenter, he worked with his hands, provided for his family, and carried out his responsibilities with quiet faith.

Reflection: 

Brothers And Sisters, Last month we celebrated ‘Easter’ and as the Apostles along with Mother Mary waited in Prayers for the coming of third persona of God i.e. The Holy Spirit, we celebrate the Feast of Holy Spirit this month. With the coming of the Holy Spirit the Lord’s Church was established and the message of the Lord was out for all the Nations in their Tongues. This is the next greatest moment in our Catholic faith after the Paschal mystery ‘Easter’. The following Sunday the Solemnity of ‘The Most Holy Trinity’ is observed, which is the central mystery of the Catholic faith: one God in three Divine Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not three gods, but one God in a communion of love. The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier. Though distinct as Persons, they are equal in divinity, eternal, and inseparable in their action. 

This mystery, though beyond full human understanding, reveals that God is not solitude but perfect relationship and love. As we learn in our faith, everything in the Christian life flows from and returns to the Trinity-our prayers, sacraments, and mission. 

Jesus Christ is the unique and eternal High Priest, serving as the sole mediator between God and humanity by offering himself as the perfect, final sacrifice. Unlike Old Testament priests, His priesthood is everlasting, based on the order of Melchizedek, and ensures perpetual intercession for humanity in heaven.

Important Perspectives of Jesus as Eternal High Priest:

Final Sacrifice: Jesus Christ offered his own body on the cross Instead of offering animal sacrifices, thus accomplishing salvation for all mankind who believes in Him.

Distinctive Conciliator: Jesus offered himself on the cross and instituted the Eucharist. He brought mankind closer to God and became a link with humanity, acting as both the offering and the priest who offers.

In the grand tapestry of Salvation history, where prophets thunder and martyrs cry out, there exists a profound resonant silence. It is the silence of a carpenter from Nazareth, a man whose words are never recorded in Scripture, yet whose actions shaped the course of eternity. 

St. Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church, stands as a testament to the fact that greatness is not found in the volume of one’s voice but in the steadfastness of one’s soul.