St. Sebastian Church

The Parish Priest emphasized that the Solemnity of Assumption of th Mary which is celebrated on 15 August that it be celebrated with the
same importance and attendance at Masses just as on Sunday.

The catechist Co-Ordinator, Miss Savion Fernandes put forth the programme of Traditional Day to be held on August 15, 2025 at 4 p.m.

As a part of ongoing Jubilee celebration 2025, it was decided earlier that the interested members would be going for a jubilee pilgrimage, visiting St Jerome church Mapusa and St Christopher church, Tivim. The Parish Priest reminded the PPC members to give the names of the parishioners from their ward who would want to join the same by the 15 of August 2025. Transport would be arranged .The bus will be leaving from the church compound at 1.30 p.m.

Agostache 15 tarker amkam Bharat
desache Kristi porjek ek dupett khuxalkai -echo dis: eke vatten Ankvar Mariechokuddi-otmea soit sorg-proves ani dusre vatten amcheadesache svotontrtaiecho dis.

Heam donui ithiasik ghodditam modhem ek kherit sombondh amkam disun ieta. Tankam dogaim zonnank ami AVOI mhunn pachartanv:
Ankvar MARIAJezuchea sorv pattlavdarank sorginchi Avoi zalear BHARAT dês, hea mahan prantant axil’lea mon’xank ek Avoi zata. Sangchem mhollear amkam, Jezuchea pattlavdarank ekuch nhoi punn panch avoiô asat:

In Mathew 5:17, Jesus says, “Think not that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.” The Law and the Prophets are the two main aspects of the Old Covenant, and Moses represents the Law, while Elijah represents the Prophets.

The Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration each year on August 6.

This event is alluded to in 2 Peter1:16-18, which records that, “We were eye witnesses of his majesty” and “We were with him on the Holy mountain.”

The Catechetical Year 2025-2026 officially began on June 15, 2025, with the inaugural Mass centred around the inspiring theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us.” The catechists, full of excitement, carefully prepared the decorations and the important logo for the year, setting a spiritual mood for the service. The Mass was reverently celebrated by their animator, Fr. Anil Kumar, the animator, who, through his profound sermon, illuminated the path for the catechists. He provided invaluable guidance on effectively teaching catechism and nurturing the children’s growth in faith in God, encouraging them to deepen their understanding and love for Jesus.

As part of the ongoing Jubilee 2025 celebrations, the St. Sebastian Parish, Aquem, organized an exciting 3-a-side Inter-SCC Penalty Shootout Challenge for both Men and Women on 29th June 2025. The event aimed to foster fellowship, healthy competition, and community spirit among the Small Christian Communities (SCCs) of the Parish.

The Church ground buzzed with enthusiasm as teams from various SCC’s competed in high-energy matches marked by skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The shootout format added to the thrill, with every goal and save, drawing loud cheers from the gathered crowd.

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high,

Into that heaven of freedom my Father, let my country awake.” –
Rabindranath Tagore

Independence Day has a cherished place in the hearts of every Indian marked with the triumph of unity, resilience, and the undying spirit of its people. It reminds us of the hard-earned freedom from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, through decades of torture, oppression, war and sacrifices. It marks the beginning of a new era in India’s history.

This celebration was held at Pilar Community House on 13 July, 2025 and was attended by our representatives, Mr. Ronny Dias and Mrs. Sarita Pinheiro.

The gathering began by signing the attendance the participants who were welcomed with delicious snacks in the Refreshment Hall. The Jubilee celebration began at 9.15 a.m. introducing the participants with a short performance by Gospel Band and warming them up with action songs. The prayer service was held at 10 a.m. with Bible readings, reflection and
response of hymns.

St. Monica is known as one of the most loving and patient mothers in the history of the Church. Her life teaches us a very important lesson: never give up praying, especially for the people you love. She is remembered not for fame or miracles, but for her deep faith, strong hope, and constant prayers. Monica was born in North Africa in the 4th century. She was a Christian from a young age. When she grew up, she was married to a man named Patricius, who was not a Christian. He had a bad temper and lived a very different life from Monica. But she stayed calm and patient. Instead of arguing, she prayed silently and lived her faith. Over time, her love and
goodness touched her husband’s heart. Before he died, he became a Christian.

“The family is the first school of human values, where we learn the wise use of freedom.” – Pope Francis
On this special day, we turn our hearts and attention to the Family Apostolate—a gentle yet powerful reminder that
our families are the first and most vital mission fields entrusted to us by God.

The Day of Family Apostolate is not just a celebration; it is a call. A call to strengthen bonds, rekindle prayer at home, and become living witnesses of faith, hope, and love in our everyday family life. Whether we are parents, children, grandparents, or single members of a wider family, each of us is called to nurture an environment where Christ is at the center.