St. Sebastian Church

Like every year, our little children were trained to sing the Monte Saibinni rosary, followed by Marian hymns and showering Mother Mary with fresh flowers. Their joyful voices and innocent devotion brought a special charm to the novenas.

Each novena was meaningfully organized by the catechists along with the parents of the catechism children, based on the theme of the year, helping the faithful to reflect and grow spiritually. The liturgy and hymns were wellprepared, and the active participation of the children made the novenas a true family-centered celebration of faith.

The little ones also brought groceries like dal, rice, oil, and stationery, which were offered during the offertory. These offerings were later distributed to
needy families through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, making the devotion not only prayerful but also an expression of Christian love and service.

September-achea mhoineant sorginche avoicho zolm-dis monoitana/Nativity of Mother Mary, amcheam AVOI-ancho Dis/MOTHER’S DAY ami khuxalkaien somarombhtanv: avoianchea dennea khatir Devak dhinvastanv, amche khatir tannim kelam titlem-i monant haddtanv ani tanche sovem kherit môg dakhoitanv. Jivitachea dennea uprant AVOI amkam Devachem vhoddantlem vhodd d e n n e m m h o n n l l e a r h a n t u m k o sl i c h othitai/exaggeration asunk nezo. Oslea sandarbant thoddea AVOI-ancher ek dhanvti nodor marun Povitr Pustok koslem chitr amche mukhar dovorta, kitlem motv eke avoik dita, hacher lokx ghalum xem mhaka dislem.

July 27th 2025 was indeed a blessed day for us all. The Catechetical Unit of St. Sebastian Church, Aquem, organised the Grandparents Day Celebration in reverence, with a solemn high Mass and a befitting get together, thereafter. It was a bright day and the parish congregation prayerfully upheld the day’s celebration, for grandparents, during the solemn Mass at 9 a.m. which was followed by the blessing of the grandparents by our Parish Priest, Fr. Simpliciano N. Fernandes with sprinkling of Holy Water for God’s glory.

Being the first celebration for us catechists, we looked forward to making this event a memorable one. The thorough planning of the day’s programme was well drafted, planned and executed by our Catechists’ Executive Committee along with the other Catechists in-charges, who meticulously looked into the minute details of the arrangements, in making the day a grand success. The artistic backdrop was done by the creative Catechists. The whole hearted cooperation and dedication of the catechists, along with the parents who took time to bring their children for practice regularly, deserves acknowledgement and appreciation.

As a Birthday Gift, what shall we offer to our Heavenly mother? I believe, one of the best gifts is that, we tell Mother Mary, we are convinced of the validity of the Catholic Church’s teaching, that ‘Mother Mary is, Ever Virgin’. One of the requirements for our conviction is that, at least one valid proof is required in the Bible. Either as a direct proof or as an indirect proof.

1) One indirect proof in the Bible, that Mother Mary was a Virgin, prior to her marriage with St. Joseph, is a claim by herself to the Angel, that, she is a virgin. Let us read, the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26 to 38. May I quote here, verse 34. Mary said to the Angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” We can accept this claim from Mother Mary, and believe that, she is telling the truth. Because, here, she doesn’t have the need to tell a lie.

In our Catholic faith, we often speak of Jesus’ humility, how He was born in a stable, walked among the poor, and gave His life on the cross. But there is also another side to Jesus’ story: His exaltation. This means that after His suffering and death, God raised Him up in glory. Jesus, once humiliated and rejected, is now lifted high, seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

This is what we celebrate when we talk about the Exaltation of the Lord. It is not just a feast day on the Church calendar, like the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14. It’s a deep truth that touches our hearts: God always brings light out of darkness, and victory out of the cross.

(A Celebration of Tradition and Heritage)

Every year, the Catechetical Unit organizes a competition for parents soon after 15th August, focusing on the presentation of traditional sweet dishes. This initiative has helped keep the taste and memories of Goan sweets alive across generations.

This year, however, the Unit introduced something new – “Purvozanchem Daiz” (Heritage of Our Ancestors). Instead of limiting the celebration to parents and sweet dishes, the day was expanded to involve children, youth, and parish groups in showcasing Goan traditions through cultural activities, songs, dances, and games.

On Sunday, 17th August, the youth of St. Sebastian Parish, Aquem, undertook a refreshing and adventurous trek to the scenic Savri Waterfall located in the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 28 parish youth enthusiastically participated in this memorable outing.

The group was guided by PPC Moderator Mrs. Sucorin Fernandes and PPC Joint Secretary Mr. Adlete Mascarenhas, while the spiritual mentor, Fr. Simpliciano N. Fernandes, celebrated the morning Sunday Mass and prayed for the youth.

The youth group set out from St. Sebastian Church at 9:00 a.m. and reached the trek base point at 10:30 a.m. The program commenced with a short prayer service at the venue, invoking God’s blessings for a safe and joyful trek.