We all believe that after we die, our soul goes to heaven, hell or purgatory. We fear Death and nobody wants to die, probably because of the final judgement before God. Do good on earth and you are rewarded with eternal glory in heaven. God has given each one of us an Indication Panel to guide us through life and prevent us from getting turned upside down and crashing! That indication panel is the value system given to us in the Gospels in clear terms, summarized beautifully in just one sentence “Love God and Love your Neighbour”. All the Saints kept their eyes on this Indication Panel and never lost sight of what was important. They have been rewarded with Sainthood by the Church to be honoured and glorified by the faithful. We also have our very own, those that have died and gone before us. Maybe our father, our mother our grandparents, our brother or sister, our friends and acquaintances who have attained eternal salvation. They too are praying for us and keeping a watch over us. They may not be declared as Saints but they are Saints in equal measure. All Saints’ Day is therefore a solemn holy day celebrated annually on 1st November and is dedicated to these Saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven.
We also have All Souls Day on 2nd November, a holy day set aside for honoring the dead, but primarily for those souls who fail to reach heaven. They are either in Hell, where those who die in a state of mortal sin are naturally condemned by their choice. The intermediate option is purgatory, which is thought to be, where most people, free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser (venial) sin, must go.
Purgatory is necessary, so that souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter heaven. But they are unable to act for themselves and only the prayers of the faithful on Earth can help.
None of us know the day or time we will die, as such we need to be on guard. Target only heaven as your reward. Time is short. Follow the Indicator Panel as your Value System and your eternal peace will be assured.
The elevation of our St. Sebastian Chapel to St. Sebastian Church, was formalized on 3rd November 2002 and this year we are fortunate to celebrate the 15th Anniversary. With nostalgia, we can look back at the preparations and the celebrations of that great event. The involvement of every parishioner in making it possible, was visible to one and all. It was the beginning of a new Aquem Parish dedicated to Saint Sebastian. Long live our Parish.
Our Parish Priest, Fr. Andrew Pereira, celebrates his Birthday on 30th November. This is his first birthday in our midst. Let’s all join in wishing him All the Very Best in life and God’s choicest blessings on him always!!
Until we meet again.
Felix Dias
Act. Editor