St. Sebastian Church

In our Catholic faith, we often speak of Jesus’ humility, how He was born in a stable, walked among the poor, and gave His life on the cross. But there is also another side to Jesus’ story: His exaltation. This means that after His suffering and death, God raised Him up in glory. Jesus, once humiliated and rejected, is now lifted high, seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

This is what we celebrate when we talk about the Exaltation of the Lord. It is not just a feast day on the Church calendar, like the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14. It’s a deep truth that touches our hearts: God always brings light out of darkness, and victory out of the cross.

(A Celebration of Tradition and Heritage)

Every year, the Catechetical Unit organizes a competition for parents soon after 15th August, focusing on the presentation of traditional sweet dishes. This initiative has helped keep the taste and memories of Goan sweets alive across generations.

This year, however, the Unit introduced something new – “Purvozanchem Daiz” (Heritage of Our Ancestors). Instead of limiting the celebration to parents and sweet dishes, the day was expanded to involve children, youth, and parish groups in showcasing Goan traditions through cultural activities, songs, dances, and games.

On Sunday, 17th August, the youth of St. Sebastian Parish, Aquem, undertook a refreshing and adventurous trek to the scenic Savri Waterfall located in the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 28 parish youth enthusiastically participated in this memorable outing.

The group was guided by PPC Moderator Mrs. Sucorin Fernandes and PPC Joint Secretary Mr. Adlete Mascarenhas, while the spiritual mentor, Fr. Simpliciano N. Fernandes, celebrated the morning Sunday Mass and prayed for the youth.

The youth group set out from St. Sebastian Church at 9:00 a.m. and reached the trek base point at 10:30 a.m. The program commenced with a short prayer service at the venue, invoking God’s blessings for a safe and joyful trek.

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.