St. Sebastian Church

As we contemplate the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we continue to journey in faith, firmly believing in the promised destination. Along the way, we thank God for promising to bring us peace, as we trust in His control and refrain from anxiety. Our recent Novenas and the Feast of our Patron, St. Sebastian, provided us with ample opportunities to rejuvenate and renew our Christian lives. It was heartening to witness our parishioners come together to celebrate this annual feast, an event we all eagerly anticipate with great enthusiasm and fervor.

Another traditional highlight of our feast is the Litany held at the Church on the following Monday. This Litany, affectionately known as “Ganvkaranchi Ladin,” was initiated by locals several years ago and has been kept alive by some of our fellow brethren. Although initially sung in Latin, it is now sung in Konkani. I have had the pleasure of participating in this Litany since my childhood days.

1.Introduction:

The Chrism Mass is a Mass where the Bishop of a diocese gathers with his priests to bless three types of holy oils, for renewal of priestly vows and celebration of the Eucharistic. It is a significant liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church that takes place on Holy Thursday morning. The Significance of the Chrism Mass highlights the importance of the sacraments and the role of priests in administering them. It’s also a celebration of the unity and communion among priests and their bishop.

2.The Chrism Oil:

The Olive tree is the most common tree in Palestine, and it grows abundantly in Galilee. The Sacred use of Olive oil is found in the Old Testament: Jacob anointed pillar at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22); Aaron and sons anointed as priests (Exodus 30:22-31), Kings anointed with oil: Saul, David, Solomon (I Samuel 16:12,13. The Purpose of Anointing was to dedicate person or object as sacred in God’s service

Christians and even non-Christians know something about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. But we also know the day that precedes these two days, i.e. MAUNDY THURSDAY. It is also referred to as Holy Thursday or Thursday of the Supper of the Lord. The word ‘Maundy’ is a shortened form of the Latin word “Mandatum’ which means ‘Command’, reflecting Jesus’s words, “A New Commandment I give you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you must love one another.” Thus, Jesus raised the definition of Love to a new and higher standard.

Maundy Thursday is one of the most important days in the Church’s year and includes all the most significant elements of the Gospel in which we trust, namely, Institution of the Holy Eucharist, the Commandment to Love and Serve, and Holy Priesthood.

The Holy Eucharist: On Maundy Thursday, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, using two of the frailest elements – Bread and Wine – as symbols of His Body and Blood, and established them to be the monuments of His Death, in order that His Sacrifice on the Cross may never be forgotten. He entrusted to the Church a daily reminder of His Death and Resurrection.

April 6th has been identified as the Day of Solidarity Against Hunger and Disease by the Diocese in Goa, a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by millions worldwide. As Christians, we are called to respond with compassion and action, following Christ’s example of feeding the hungry and healing the sick.

The Reality

Hunger remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. According to global reports, over 800 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment, and malnutrition continues to claim lives, especially among children. Meanwhile, preventable diseases—such as malaria, tuberculosis, and waterborne illnesses—persist in many parts of the world, causing immense suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened inequalities, pushing more families into food insecurity and inadequate healthcare.

The year 2025 is a significant time for the Catholic Church as it marks the Jubilee Year, a period of renewal, forgiveness and spiritual growth. This special year serves as an invitation for all Catholics to deepen their faith and embrace God’s mercy. Among the many celebrations, the Jubilee of Teenagers (April 2025) holds a unique place, highlighting the vital role of young people in the Church. It is a time to remind teenagers that they are not just the future but also an essential part of the Church today. This jubilee encourages them to live with purpose, grow in their faith, and become active contributors to the mission of Christ.

Teenage years are often filled with excitement, curiosity and discovery. It is a time of learning new things, making lifelong friendships and dreaming about the future. But it is also a time of challenges, uncertainty about identity, pressure from society and the struggle to find meaning in life. In the midst of all this, God has a purpose for every teenager. You are not here by accident; you were created with love, for a reason, and with a mission.

“Father into Thy hands I commend My Spirit!”

Good Friday, commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion, is a day of both profound suffering and enduring hope, reminding Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and the promise of Redemption and Resurrection.

The ‘Good’ in suffering, despite the name, ‘Good Friday,’ is not about celebrating the suffering itself, but about recognizing the good that comes from it: the promise of salvation and the hope of eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice.

When you have nothing better to do,

Just scratch your brain for these answers

1. When Poison expires; does it become more poisonous or is it no longer poisonous 🤔

2. Which letter is silent in the word “Scent,” the S or the C 🤔

3. Do Twins ever realize that one of them is “Unplanned” 🤔

4. Why is the letter W, in English, called double U? Shouldn’t it be called double V 🤔

Kall ieta, kall veta, kalla pormonnem vathavoronn bodolta.Thonnddeche mhoine aile ani ghele punn thonnddich poddunk nam.Vaur dondo korun atam konth ixeop korpacho mhoino.Artik poristhiti koxi asa, kitlo faido zala ani kitlo faido zaunk zavo hachi topasnnim korcho ho mhoino.

Punn amkam Jezuchea pattlavdarank,amchea Atmik jivitacher topasnnim korunk lagu zatolo ho mhoino ani kall zaun asa.Amcho Patron Sant Sebastiao hachi porob ami dobajean manoitanv zalear ami tache baxen Jezuk govaiki aitim ani kalljidar zaunk zai .

Festacho dobazo somplo zalear rokddoch Prachit kall suru zata.

Amchea jivitacho konth ixop diunk ami aitim zaunk ho prachit kall amkam amontronn korta.

Zalear ami kitem korchem? Amchea jivitachi novsornnim korunk ho kall amkam apoita mhonn hanv tumkam ughddas kortam.

Jivitachi novsornnim korneanim zaunk zai. Oronneant bob martolo tallo oxem mhonnta, “jivit bodlat Xubvortoman manun gheiat”.

Jivitachi novsornnim ani bodolnnim korunk ho kall amkam apoita zalear Devachea utrak kan diumya, jivit bodlumya.

Parish Priest, Fr. Agnelo Rodrigues

It gives us immense joy and happiness to present this Special Edition of our beloved Church Bulletin, PORMOLL, on the occasion of our Parish Feast of our Patron, St. Sebastian. We acknowledge with gratitude the efforts put in by everyone involved in sparing no efforts to see that this magazine sees the light of the day well in time. I take this opportunity to thank all the writers, who regularly contribute with their write-ups, spending a lot of their precious time and energy and strive to convey their viewpoints/advice to the readers. Medical notes, guidance and important information on our health issues and hygiene is a regular feature on our bulletin, provided by our Parish doctors to whom we are indeed indebted. Many of our parishioners have certainly benefited by reading their articles. Similarly a big THANK YOU to all our Sponsors, Advertisers and all the Parishioners for their generous contributions and support, not only this year but for the past several years. Your helping hand has played a big role in our recent achievement of crossing the milestone of completing 25 fruitful years of PORMOLL existence. It really means a lot to us and we shall be ever so grateful. Thanks and a big GOD BLESS!!