St. Sebastian Church

January 14th is the Feast Day of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, the first Indian lay martyr to be beatified.

He is the first Indian martyr, the first Tamil saint, the first Indian layman [to be canonized]…

Devasahayam, whose Christian name means Lazarus in Tamil, grew up in an affluent family. By his early 30s, he had been a soldier, an officer in the court of the Kingdom of Travancore, and in charge of the King’s treasury. Bl. Devasahayam connected with the meaning of suffering in the Book of Job. He took the name Devasahayam, Tamil for the Biblical name Lazarus, meaning, ‘God has helped.’ Banished to the forest of Aralvaimozhi for sharing the Good News, he prayed to God and hit a rock with his elbow, which miraculously gave water to quench his thirst. Even today, people drink this water of the Muttidichan Parai ‘rock from which the water now gushes forth’ to receive God’s healing. When Neelakanta Pillai was baptised a catholic in 1745, at the age of 32, he attended Church, frequented the sacraments, evangelized others, and spoke against injustice.

St. Joseph Vaz was born on 21 April 1651 in the village of Benaulim in Goa, at a time when the Christian faith was growing but also facing many challenges. From a young age, Joseph showed a deep love for prayer and learning. He studied philosophy and theology and was ordained a priest in 1676. Even as a young priest, he was known for his humility, simple lifestyle and great concern for the poor and the sick.

During his time, many parts of Asia, especially Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), were facing severe persecution of Christians. Churches were destroyed, priests were banished and people were afraid to openly practise their faith. Hearing about the suffering of Christians there, Fr. Joseph Vaz felt a strong call from God to serve them. Leaving behind the comfort of his homeland, he volunteered to go as a missionary. He joined the Oratorian Congregation of Goa and in 1687 set out on a dangerous journey to Sri Lanka, trusting completely in God.

Most of us open social media without thinking, but we don’t realize how much it quietly affects the way we see ourselves. What starts as a simple scroll often turns into comparing our life, our looks and even our achievements with people we don’t even know. I’ve noticed that even on days when I feel okay, a few minutes online can suddenly make me feel like I’m behind everyone else and this isn’t just my experience, there has been a study done by the university of Pennsylvaia, where they found that people who use social media for long periods feel more anxious and lonely, even if they don’t admit it.

held on December 2, 2025.

The PPC meeting began with a prayer led by SCC 14 and 15, followed by a welcome by the Moderator on behalf of the Parish Clergy and Executive Committee. Rev. Fr. Simpliciano Nazareth Fernandes emphasized the spiritual significance of Advent and encouraged members to keep Jesus at the centre of all celebrations. The Parish Priest highlighted the forthcoming implementation of the new liturgy from Ash Wednesday and introduced the diocesan booklet Misache Somorombnnechi Manddavoll for parish-wide instruction. He also reiterated that liturgical norms and Church teachings on faith and morals must be upheld.

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.