St. Sebastian Church

My interest in St. Anthony arose in my school days when I was in IV or V standard. Our class teacher always invoked his name for lost things even for small items like attendance book, Register or even a lost report card.  I later understood that he was one of the most famous saints that Catholic church ever witnessed and venerated. He was a priest, a miracle worker and a defender of faith.

Volumes of information are available on St. Anthony in various domains but for now let us go deeper in finding things about St. Anthony that we may have heard of, read, listened but never pondered on. Pope Benedict XVI explicitly mentioned that he was one of the most popular saints of the entire catholic church venerated not only in Padua but around the world. Read more

Fr. Andrew: A Beacon of Courage

Courage is doing what is right even when you are afraid. This is a lesson I have learned from Fr. Andrew over the past five years. Under his guidance, I transitioned from being just a parishioner to a moderator, a journey I consider a divine gift. As we bid farewell to our Parish Priest, I want to express the gratitude of the entire Aquem Parish for the remarkable growth and development we’ve experienced under his leadership from 2017 to 2024. The impact of his contributions will always be remembered, and a part of him will remain with us, continually praying for us. We wish Fr. Andrew good health and all the best in his future endeavors.

Fr. Leslie: A Heart Full of Innocence

Remaining childlike is a tremendous state of innocence, and this perfectly describes Fr. Leslie. He possesses an innocent soul, one that expresses joy through Singing and sorrow through tears, with his face reflecting every emotion. Over the past four years, I have come to appreciate his keen eye for beauty and his soulful voice. As we say goodbye to Fr. Leslie, we hope that one day he will return as our Parish Priest. Until then, we send him off with our heartfelt blessings. God bless you, Fr. Leslie.

-Soccorina Fernandes
(PPC Moderator)

When you are a priest you must understand that this life includes being reassigned every few years to a new parish. On one hand it is an opportunity to move on and grow in your priesthood. To take what you have experienced and learn from it. What you did right, what you could have done differently – and apply these experiences at your next assignment and throughout your priesthood.

St Sebastian Parish has been through this many times before, but when it comes down to that last moment – a moment to say goodbye, we are unable to handle it as well as we thought we would. Our much loved parish priests, Fr. Andrew and our Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Leslie are both assigned to move to a new parish. We accept this move to the new parish as a common and regular practice in our Catholic Church that priests move within their diocese to serve another parish after a set amount of time. A little change, a little pain, but eventually a transition considered beneficial for the priest and parish alike.  It is a thoughtful and orderly process that is classic for Catholics. Yet, I must confess that Fr. Andrew and Fr. Leslie’s impending departure is very painful for us. However, we are consoled by the fact that they have laid a very good foundation for us to build upon. Read more

(18th May, 2024)
“Confirmation is the Sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation”. After much preparation and a long await, 18th May 2024, was indeed a ‘Red Letter Day’ for us Aquem parishioners. The beautifully decorated church with the warm welcome entrance decor, the altar bearing the tongues of fire and an array of colorful flowers, creative side panel decor with doves and the pews for the confirmands, marked with the symbol of the dove created a spiritual ambiance, for the solemn ceremony to be held. 70 young, enthusiastic boys and girls, immaculately attired beautifully added color to the solemnity of the day’s ritual. Read more

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrated on June 29th, is a significant event honoring the martyrdom and contributions of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Their portrayal in the picture – together holding the Church, symbolizes the unity and collaboration necessary in the Church’s early growth. Despite their different missions and occasional disagreements, their combined efforts and mutual respect were crucial in establishing a unified Christian community. An important point to remember in today’s day where disagreements can gain unnecessary focus rather than being healthy discussion. Read more

Saint John the Baptist is the Patron Saint of: Baptism

June 24th is the celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

John the Baptist was born to Zachariah and Elizabeth, through the intercession of God, who was otherwise too old to bear children. According to the Scriptures, the Angel Gabriel visited Elizabeth and Zachariah to tell them they would have a son and that they should name him John. Zachariah doubted this, thus was rendered mute until the time his son was born and named John, in fulfilment of God’s plan. Read more

Nursing caries, or tooth decay, can be caused when your child sleeps with a bottle. This condition is also called baby bottle tooth decay. It is caused when a child goes to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice, anything except water.

Nursing bottle caries usually affects children between the ages of 1 and 2. If your infant falls asleep while breast feeding, he is also at risk.

Bottle tooth decay develops when baby teeth come into frequent contact with too much sugar. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar, multiply, and produce acid as a waste product. The acid attacks the teeth and tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Read more

Tadev:  Dev boro dis dium, Simao Titiv. Hatant poti-ba gheun khoim vochunk bhair sorlai?

Simao:  Tukai dium baba Tadev. Hanv Moddgonvam ferient vetam. Purumentachem Fest, aitara-dis ghonnghonnan zalem ani tea nimitan thoim fer asa ani ek suman bhor ti asteli.

Tadev: Purumentachem fest? Hanv somzunk nam.

Simao:  Hem, Povitr Atmeachem fest vo Porob Moddgonvche “Holy Spirit” Igorjent vhodda ghonnghonnan monoitat. Hea nimitan thoim Igorjelagim sorv-bhonvtonnim fer ghaltat ani zaiteo vostu , zoxem mirsango, sukloli maslli (zoxe sungttam, solve je agullem ani morieche astat, bangdde, adi) jirem, sambar ani dusreo randpacheo vostu. Atam rokdoch pavsacho kall suru zatolo ani lok hangasor heo vostu gheun fuddlea 2-3 mhoineank toiari koxi kortat ani hakach lagun hea festak, Purumentachem Fest mhonntat. Read more

Sun dazzles at its pinnacle,
Summer breeze surges through trees,
Vegetation in full bloom,
Is frequented by bumblebees.

The Earth basking in sunlight,
Yearns for a lashing shower,
The enchilada of a season,
Monsoon shall eventually conquer. Read more