St. Sebastian Church

Mogall Firgozkaramno,

Vhoddlem xem kaim vaitt zainastanam Mai mhoino khoincheanuch ghelo so. Tantunt modem June mhoino ‘New Normal’ mhonn sangun novem Xikxonnik (Academic) voros suru zalem. Tantunt modem Gonvllik (Pastoral) voros-ui suru kelem.

Hea novea Gonvllik vorsak Goy dhormprantant “Mhojea Pattlean Ieiat” (Mk.1/17) ho vixoi ghetla. Hi voll zaite pautt ani zaite baxen ani zaiteam mellaveank ghetloli mellta. Mhaka dista soglleam von chodd vapurloli hi voll asa.

Mark-uchem xubhvortoman suru zatanch, Juanv lokak ani Jezuk bautism dilea uprant rokddich Jezu-cher dixtt voita. Jezu aplo vavr suru korunk poilench doria veller astanam xisank apounk lagta. Veller nistem dhorunk aplim zallam ghaltanam Pedru ani Andre-k mhonnta, “Mhojea Pattlean Ieiat, Hanv tumkam mon’xank dhortat tosle kharvi kortolom.” Hem apounnem kelea uprant anik mukhar vochun Zebedev-achea dog putank tench apounnem korta. Sogllem soddun Te tache pattlean ghele oxem Povitr Pustok mhonnta. Read more

After the summer break, schools have reopened for the new academic year. On June 6th, all Schools opened their classrooms for the regular onsite teaching and we could see happy students eager to begin their routine classes. Obviously it was a big relief to the parents and students alike when the government gave a green signal for reopening of schools. No doubt, this is going to be quite a challenge to the Education authorities and the school managements but it’s a task that they had to undertake in view of the fact that there is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

On the other hand extra precaution would have to be taken to ensure that children, especially the younger ones who have not been vaccinated, are kept safe. There is no confirmation if the present surge in numbers is the fourth wave of the pandemic. However it cannot be totally overlooked as the health professionals had predicted that a fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic could hit Goa in June. The reassuring news is that it is the milder variant that is in circulation in Goa. The prediction that we have to learn to live with COVID, does appear to be coming true. The variants of the virus are still around and keep spreading even as they remain transmissible. The virus has subsided for brief periods before returning back. Although no restrictions are imposed, all precautions need to be in place to ensure that there is no repetition of what we witnessed before in the earlier waves.       I wish our young students a brighter, healthier and most importantly a safe school life. Read more

The Roman Catholic Church keeps the memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha and Lazarus on 29th July. Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are Patron Saints of Siblings. In its 2021 decree on combining veneration of Mary and Lazarus with Martha, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments said, “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.” Read more

(Feast- 25th July)

James was among the first of the twelve disciples. When Jesus called the brothers, James and John were fishermen with their father Zebedee on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:19). They immediately left their father and their business to follow the young rabbi. James was probably the older of the two brothers because he is always mentioned first.

Three times James, John, and Peter were invited by Jesus to witness events no one else saw: the raising of the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Mark 5:37-47), the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3), and Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37). Read more

(FIRST INDIAN WOMAN SAINT)

Blessed ALPHONSA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION was born in Kudamalur, the Arpookara region, in the diocese of Changanacherry, India, on the 19th of August 1910, of the ancient and noble family of Muttathupadathu. From her birth, the life of the Blessed was marked by the cross, which would be progressively revealed to her as the royal way to conform herself to Christ. Her mother, Maria Puthukari, gave birth to her prematurely, in her eight month of pregnancy, as a result of a fright she received when, during the sleep, a snake wrapped itself around her waist. Eight days later, the 28 of August, the child was baptised according to the Syro-Malabar rite by Fr. Joseph Chackalayil, and she received the name Annakutty, a diminutive of Anne. She was the last of five children. Read more

It’s easy to forget just how important, valuable and necessary good doctors are – that is until you get ill or sustain an injury. Doctors Day puts hard-working doctors in the spotlight, and encourages us to be considerate of the long hours they work, their compassion, and the effort they put into practicing medicine.

All around the world, Doctors’ Day is celebrated, as we all recognize the contributions that physicians make in the community and to individual lives. Countries celebrate Doctors’ Day on different dates.

It can be an overwhelming job, to say the least. They have to diagnose different conditions and treat a wide range of people on a daily basis. The outcome is not always good, and this can be difficult to deal with. It is hard to imagine what doctors go through. Plus, they’re always available for us. Unfortunately, illnesses and injuries don’t wait for a convenient time to strike. They can happen at any time and on any day, and that’s why it is so important that we always have doctors to rely on when we’re not feeling like our usual selves. Read more

On 22nd July is the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Strange isn’t it, for someone who has been labelled ‘a prostitute’?

In western Christian history, they have confused Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany, and the woman caught in adultery. Mary of Magdala was the one from whom Jesus had driven out seven demons. It consumed her whole life. Jesus was the only one who could save her, and He did (Mk 16:9). It is no wonder that she followed Him throughout His ministry. She had grown in her love for Jesus. This can only happen when someone is touched by Jesus, genuinely experiencing a conversion of the heart.

Popular literatures find it difficult to understand this love relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, and so interpret it as a “worldly” love relationship. They do not understand the depth with which one is supposed to love Jesus, and be loved by Him. Read more

Grandparents have ears that truly listen, arms that always hold, love that’s never ending, and a heart that’s made of gold.

On July 26th, we celebrate the feast day of Saints Anne and Joachim-the parents of Mother Mary. This day is also lovingly called the “Feast of the Grandparents”and so, Grandparents Day serves to honour and recognize the contributions of grandparents in our lives. Grandparents are a society and a family’s ties to its past as they pass on important values, beliefs and ideals to future generations. Their wisdom and love are recognized every year on this day. Read more

The Feast of St. Anthony was celebrated on Monday, 13th June 2022, at the Tollebando, Aquem Chapel, with a lot of fervour and passion. Parish Priest of Nagoa Church, Fr. Edson Fernandes, was the Main Celebrant for the Feast Mass. Our Parish Priest, Fr. Andrew Pereira, Ex-Parish Priest Fr. James Torres e Silva, Ex-parish Priest Fr. Movin Menezes and our recently ordained parishioner, Fr. Kevin Fernandes, were the other co-celebrants for the Mass. In his homily, Fr. Edson, dwelt on the theme of bringing happiness in our family lives by being simple, honest and true to the teachings of our Lord Jesus. He exhorted the faithful to follow the example of St. Anthony in this respect. The local choir was led by our Asst. Parish Priest, Fr. Leslie Gomes. As the feast was celebrated this year after a gap of two years, due to the pandemic, a large, unprecedented gathering, attended the Mass. The bright and sunny weather facilitated the faithful to attend the same. The feast Mass was telecasted live by Prudent Media. Prior to the Feast, the blessing of the banner was held on 31st May 2022 at 12 noon by our Parish Priest, Fr. Andrew Pereira and this event too was covered by Prudent Media. Read more