St. Sebastian Church

I am a product of the mid-20^th century, entering the world right in the middle of the 1900 hundreds. My views here can be termed as “old –fashioned” since we are almost touching the first quarter of the 21^st century. Nevertheless, I like to put down a few thoughts that are all of my own.

In the good ‘old’ days, life was slow-paced, easy going – it seemed like school life would never end, but we had never heard the word ‘stress’.

Our main entertainment was the Radio, placed somewhere high up so that adults had the control of switching it off or on. Music was mostly lyrical and romantic, which we can sing even today. It was not noisy. Blaring or non-stop chatter. Read more

Known as one of the smallest states in our vast country, Goa today is faced with challenges and difficulties that are neither small nor simple. Since our liberation, more than 57 years ago, Goa has faced and overcome many problems. But with the passage of time, new and more complex issues have risen to the surface, some of which threaten the very existence of the cultural fabric that defines Goa.

In the past Goans have gallantly defended their rights, be it during the fiercely fought Opinion Poll or the 1986 Language Agitation where 7 Konkani lovers lost their lives in order to make Konkani the official Language of Goa. These issues were close to the hearts of every Goan, hence they fought together surpassing caste, creed or religion. Read more

19^th December 2018 Goa celebrated its Liberation Day. We have experienced 57 years of freedom after over 400 yrs. of the oppressive rule of the foreigners.

Today if we ask some of the people who lived in Goa at that time, they proudly claim that we are free citizens of our country, however if asked to compare the things then and now, immediate comes the reply, “vast difference”. No doubt our Goa has seen a lot of progress, lots of development in the 57 years gone by. But you analyse the development and its benefit to the locals, the reply turns very sour and bitter. Read more

I always wonder, ‘what’s the point in earning and working relentlessly and not exploring the world?’ Besides living my so called ordinary life, the only thing on my mind is travelling. Yeah I’m a teacher by profession and I love my job, but at the same time I’m also an ardent travel lover. I guess I’ve been struck hard by the travel God!

The world has repeatedly intrigued and amazed me from time to again. There’s so much, waiting to be explored out there. Ever since I’ve gained consciousness as a living being, I’ve wanted to travel the world. And I’ve begun to set my trail. In last two years I have visited four countries and now there’s nothing that can stop me! Read more

World day of the sick was initiated by Pope John Paul 2 on February 11 1992 to encourage people to pray for those suffering from illnesses and their caregivers.   The Pope himself suffered from Parkinsonism. February 11 is also the catholic feast of our Lady of Lourdes in honor of the apparition of the Virgin Mary seen on this day at Lourdes, France by a young girl Bernadette Soubirous who was canonized a saint several years later.  Poe Benedict 16 citing failing health, resigned as Pope on this day in 2013.

Right from the time a person is admitted in a hospital, so many people directly or indirectly are involved in his / her treatment besides the doctors like nurses, pharmacists, ward boys, servants, catering and administrative staff etc.  We have to pray for all of them besides the patients. Read more

Nash was a rising soccer star at his school. A gifted athlete, Nash’s opponents found it hard to tackle the ball from him once he had it in his control. Still in senior school, Nash had already been instrumental in winning several local football championships for his school team.

Nash was very popular at his school and among the football enthusiasts in his district. However, at home, his footballing genius was uncelebrated. His father, Edwin, was worried that Nash was spending way too much time on the soccer field than studying. As a result, there was always a tense environment in the house, much to Cheryl’s, Nash’s mother’s, disappointment. She could see the widening rift between the father and the son, and she was desperate to find the solution to this problem. Read more

Some years ago, a dignitary visited the then Pope. After the visit, he had a discussion with the Pope’s secretary. As the visitor was leaving, the secretary told him, “I love you and I like you”. These words caught my attention as I heard them for the first time. I found them interesting and very meaningful.

I am now retired from service [but preoccupied] and living together with my spouse, who also has retired from service and is engaged in activities that are also social. I have the time now to ponder and reflect on those valuable words, although they were not said by a husband or a wife. Read more

 25th March, 2019
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The story of the Annunciation unfolded when Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). The depiction of this encounter is beautifully captured in the Catholic prayer Angelus where Mary in all her humility and deep trust in God accepts the mission laid out for her. She thus plays an important role in the incarnation of Lord Jesus. Read more