St. Sebastian Church

Our nation will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on 26th January 2026. The Republic of India, marked by vast diversity and a rich cultural tapestry, stands as a beacon of democracy in the modern world. Within this unfolding national journey, Goa holds a unique and distinctive place.

Once a Portuguese colony, Goa was integrated into India in 1961 through political and military action. The years that followed witnessed defining political moments, including the Opinion Poll of 1967 on Goa’s identity, the language agitation, and the eventual grant of statehood in 1987. Goa is home to three major religious communities-Hindus, Christians, and Muslims yet its shared culture and language bind its people together as Goemkars, shaping a common Goan identity.

Our catechetical Association recently organized an enriching field trip for our students, which proved to be a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for all. The trip consisted of two visits: Rachol Seminary and St. Anthony’s Home, Verna.

We began the day with a visit to Rachol Seminary, where we were warmly welcomed by the rector, Fr. Donato, who introduced us to the Seminary’s rich history and significance. Bro. Leo then guided us through a comprehensive tour of the Seminary, sharing insightful explanations about the various statues of saints and their stories. The serene garden area, with its fascinating underground pathway, was a particular highlight. The Brother’s patience and knowledge made the experience both informative and engaging.

St. John Melchior Bosco, lovingly known as Don Bosco, was a priest, educator, and tireless champion of young people. Born on 16 August 1815 in Becchi, Italy, he grew up in poverty and hardship after losing his father early in life. These experiences shaped his deep empathy for poor and abandoned youth and inspired a mission that continues to touch lives across the world-including here in Goa.

As a young priest in 19th-century Italy, Don Bosco encountered large numbers of boys who were homeless, unemployed, and vulnerable to exploitation. Instead of responding with punishment, he chose compassion. He believed that young people flourish when they are trusted, guided, and loved. This belief formed the foundation of his Preventive System of Education, based on Reason, Religion, and Loving-kindness.

19th December:
Aid for the Poor by SSVP at 11 a.m.
Serenading by Youth and Catechists at 6 p.m.

20th December:
Serenading continues

Dev Monis Zalo!

Agnosce Dignitatem tuam O Christiane! Oxem Pap Saib Leo 13vo Kristanvak ulo korun mhunntalo. Mhunnge; tujem vorteponn ollkun ghe, Kristanv mon’xa! Amcho Dev mon’xeponn gheta amkam devponnant vhorunk, bexttoch mon’xacho akar ghena punn khoro amche sarko lhan oskot ballok zata, sogllea amchea mon’xa konixttaiamni vantto gheta ani oxem amchi goth devponnak pavoita.

Hem ollkunk ani amcher tacho foll zaunk Natalank amchem dhyan mon Jezucher – Monis zal’lea Devachea Putacher asunk goroz. Keeping Christ at the Heart of Christmas! Sogleam Natalanchea vaurant ani jivitant Jezucher amchem kalliz dovorunk goroz.

Natalancho kall amkam soglleank khub umollxiken/ with expectation vatt pollovpacho kall: Jezuchea zolmachi khuxealkai, amchea kuttumbache purai zogant ximpoddlole vangddi ektthaim zavop, Jezuchea zolmachem sthan/ghotto ani noketram toyar korop, consvad ani dusreo khavpacheo vostu toyar korop adi. Jezuchea ghotteant sobit imaji ami dovortanv ani bore baxen to nettoitanv

Natalamchea ghotteacho itihas polleunk gelear Jezuchea zolmacho dekhavo poilech pavtt rochun haddpi Assisi-cho Sant Francisk. Povitr Zageank/Holy Land bhett kelea uprant 1223 vorsa Greccio nanvanchea xarant Jezuchea zolmacho dekhavo dakhounk taka preronn ailem. Punn Fraciskan ek jivó ghotto toyar kelo. Eke dholint/cave sukhem tonn manddun gorvam dovorlim ani ganvchea lokak Maria, Juze, ballok Jezu ani gorvam rakhnne koxim nesoun tea zagear Natalancho dekhavo prodorxit kelo.

The President, Rev Fr S. N. Fernandes in his address conveyed that this month is dedicated to pray for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. He explained, that suicidal thoughts should not be viewed merely as an individual failing or individual sin. He emphasized that many social influences contribute to a person reaching that situation. He said that society, social media and even the environment within one’s own family can play a role shaping a person’s mental and emotional well-being. The parish priest further explained that people from all walks of life may find themselves in such situations due to stress and other challenges and our Church is deeply concerned about this issue. He pointed that people facing such problems or stress should reach out and interact with their dear ones. So that others can help, pray for them or guide them to seek counselling. The contact numbers of special priest counsellors are displayed in the notice board and everyone was encouraged to seek their help without cost. He stated that priests are always ready to offer help and during the sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession the priests also provide proper guidance and direction. As parishioners, everyone was reminded, to care for one another through visits and regular inquiries about each other’s well-being

Christmas is one of the most joyful times of the year: we decorate our homes, exchange gifts, enjoy delicious food, and spend time with family and friends. But in the middle of all the celebration, it is important to pause and remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

Christmasis about the birth ofJesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world to bring us hope, peace and salvation. When Jesus is at the center of Christmas, everything else findsitstruemeaning.The lightswe hang remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. The gifts we give help us remember the greatest gift God gave us, His only Son. The joy we feel reflects the joy the shepherdsfeltwhen they heard the good news ofJesus’ birth.And the star on top ofourtree reminds us ofthe starthatguidedthewisementothenewbornKing.

When Adam and Eve sinned, the humanity that is the creation of God was in disgrace and Satan took control taking the humanity on the wrong path allowing sin to reign. To save the humanity from the snares of the devil, God had to choose another woman who was holy and the preparation started from the day Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother St. Anne.

As we know we are born with original sin and all of us are baptized to do away the blot of this sin. But Mother Mary according to the Catholic dogma was conceived without the stain of original sin. This was formally defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854 and is celebrated on December 8th, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.

His Legacy, Recent Controversies, and Lessons for the Future

Few figures are as deeply woven into Goa’s spiritual, cultur a l, and historical identity as St. Francis Xavier, affectionately known as Goencho Saib. A Jesuit missionary who arrived in Goa in 1542, Xavier spent 4 years in Goa over a 10-year period serving the poor, tending to the sick, and preaching across the region before traveling onward to other parts of Asia. His tireless journeys, from India to Malacca to Japan, earned him a reputation as one of the greatest missionaries in Christian history. After his death in 1552, his body was brought back to Goa, where it continues to rest in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, attracting millions of pilgrims every decade during the Solemn Exposition of his sacred relics.