St. Sebastian Church

The Feast of the Holy Innocents, observed on December 28th, serves as a somber reminder of the innocent lives lost to violence and injustice. This commemoration honors the children who, despite their innocence, suffer from the cruelty and fears of the world. The day highlights the vulnerability of children and calls believers to reflect on the importance of protecting the most defenseless members of society.

You must have probably wondered how celebrities have the perfect smile.
It’s no surprise that many of us look to celebrities for inspiration. Their radiant, flawless smiles are often the result of expertly crafted veneers.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a very thin shell or layer of tooth coloured porcelain or composite. It is placed over the outer portions of your teeth to create an illusion of perfect, shiny teeth.
It is generally done when a tooth has been damaged by decay or accident or has become discoloured due to some reason.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red color and enables the red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. Normal hemoglobin for men ranges from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL and for women from 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to decreased oxygen delivery to the entire body and may include:

Dental infections, also known as tooth infections, are bacterial infections that occur in the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues. These infections can be painful, potentially life-threatening, and affect oral health and overall well-being. Millions of people suffer from dental infections every year. Understanding the types, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures can help individuals maintain good oral health.

The decennial exposition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier is one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Goa. For over four centuries, this sacred tradition has drawn pilgrims, devotees, and tourists alike to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier is enshrined. The event holds deep spiritual meaning for the faithful and offers a unique glimpse into Goa’s rich history and heritage. The exposition not only celebrates the life and works of this great missionary but also serves as a reminder of Goa’s enduring Christian legacy.
Saint Francis Xavier: The Patron of Goa

Goa Liberation Day celebrated annually on December 19th, Marks a historical moment . It commemorates the liberation of Portuguese colonial rule which lasted for 450 years making it one of the oldest European colonies in India.
Goa was colonized by the Portuguese in 1510 and remained under their control even after India gained Independence from the British rule. Despite peaceful negotiation and diplomatic efforts by the Indian Government to persuade the Portuguese to leave, the colonial power remained adamant. By the early 1960’s the India Government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided that military intervention was the only solution on December 18, 1961 Operation Vijay was launched. The Indian Armed Forces i.e. Army, Navy and Air force entered Goa with the mission to end Portuguese rule. The operation lasted less than 36 hours on December 19, 1961, Goa along with Daman and Diu was finally liberated and integrated into India.

The All Goa Association of Bakers (AGAB), celebrated their traditional annual thanksgiving mass on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at St Sebastian Church, Aquem – Alto, Margao, on the occasion of ”The International Bakers Day’ celebrations in Goa.
Since the past few years, the AGAB has been celebrating their annual thanksgiving mass in our parish.
In his message Fr Agnelo Rodrigues, Parish Priest, St Sebastian Church, said that it was a happy occasion that our brothers in the bakers trade celebrate their annual thanksgiving mass at St Sebastian Church in a very special way and offer their gratitude and thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings received in their lives and profession throughout the year.

Sotmantam hem magnnem uchartanam, ‘Bhoktancho Ektar’, ami mhonntanv. Bhoktancho Ektar, amchea bhavartachem sot. Bhag. Paulu apurbaien, ‘Bhokt’ ho xobd Kristi somudaianchea vangddeank vapuddta. To “Akaient ximpoddleleam bhoktank” (2 Kor 1:1), “Efez xarant asleleam bhoktank” (Efez 1:1), Dhormdutancho Itihas bi Kristachea pattlaudarak Bhokt mhonnta. Dor ek Kristanv zo Povitr Snana vorvim Jezunt ek zala to hea utrachea survechea ortha pormonnem, Bhokt!

November’s the month that continues the autumnal transition, bringing with it a lot of cultural, historical and social observances. As the year 2024 draws towards its end, this month offers a variety of significant days that celebrate achievements, raise awareness and also honour important figures.

November 1st kicks off for us, Christians, with the All Saints Day. This year this day also coincides with Diwali, a major festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This is a day commemorating all the Saints of the Church, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven, and for whom there is no specific Feast Day during the year. This is followed by All Souls Day, on 2nd November to commemorate all those who have passed away in their faith and are believed to be in purgatory because they died with the guilt of lesser sins on their souls. Our doctrine holds that the prayers of the faithful on earth, will help to cleanse these souls in order to fit them for the vision of our Heavenly Father in heaven.