St. Sebastian Church

(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

Mogall Firgozkaramno,

Bhieun ani dhubavun fattlim don vorsam sorun ghelim. Punn atam sogllem tharear poddlolem koxem dista. Corona virus somplo vo bhovuch thoddo zalo kai dista. Sogllo lok novea monan ani mott’ttea nettan vavrunk suru zalolo dista. Zaum saiba sogllem anik ek pavtt tharear poddlear puro.

June suru zata tednam soimb legun sogllem novsorlolem dixtti poddtelem. Noveo kumbreo ani novem bim kirlololem zatelem. Veta thoim sogllem hirvem zatelem. Jivak legun sogllo sontos zatolo ani mon xant distelem. Kitli mhonn soimbant sobitai vaddteli. Sogllem rosroxit zatelem. Read more

Aging is a process every living creature goes through, including the plants and the trees. We all pass through different stages of life, till finally old age catches up with you, whether we like it or not. Many a times advanced ageing comes with a lot of difficulties such as health issues, difficulty in walking, hearing, lack of proper eyesight, memory loss…. the list is endless. Read more

The title “Mary, Mother of the Church” reflects the deep conviction of the Christian faithful, who see in Mary not only the mother of the person of Christ, but also of the faithful. Mary had been present at the very beginnings of the Church. The Church has traditionally portrayed the Blessed Virgin Mary together with the apostles and disciples gathered at that first Pentecost, joined in prayer with the first members of the Church.

In Roman Catholic Mariology, Mother of the Church (Latin: Mater Ecclesiae) is a title officially given to Mary by Pope Paul VI. The title first appeared in the 4th century writings of Saint Ambrose of Milan, as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. It was also used by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748 and then by Pope Leo XIII in 1885. Pope John Paul II placed it in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis inserted a feast by this title into the Roman Calendar on 6th June. Read more