St. Sebastian Church

Mogall mhojea Xelliano,

Novembracho mhoino amkam apoita, matso visov gheunk, ugddass korunk, magnnem bhettounk ani amcho bhorvanso jivall korunk.

Ami survat kortanam, ho povitr mhoino sogllea Santam-bhoktancho ani Mel’leancho dis monoitanv. Amche Sant-bhokt amkam prernna ditat ani ami tanche lagin magtanv, moron ghel’leank sorginchem sukh. Amcho Kristanv bhavarth xikoita, moronn xevott nhoi. Punn bhorvanso amchea Jezucher dovrun, moron ghel’lim punorjivont zatelim.

Dor ek kuttumbache vangddi, tancheo moladik iadi, mogacheancho ugddass korun amchim kallzam roddttat. Tanchi zannvai, mogachi seva ani adhar, amchem jivit khuxal kortat. Zorui Tanchem asnnem disona, torui tancheo mogacheo kornneo nirontorim uloitat. Ami Tancho ugddass kortanam, fulanch ghalun nhoi, punn magnnem korun ani Missache bhettent vantto gheun, bhogsonnem magun ani diun Tannim boro kelolo vaur chalu dovrum-ia.

We are stepping into the month of November which happens to be the eleventh and penultimate month of the year. This is generally considered as a special month because it acts as a major bridge of seasonal transition, cultural traditions and deep rooted gratitude right before the heavy rush of December. This month is also dedicated to the people who have passed away, giving us an opportunity to remember and pray for their souls. The Catholic Church observes ‘All Souls Day’ on 2nd November, specifically for this cause. Most of us enjoy the fruits of hard labour put in by our elders,who unfortunately are no longer alive. The properties, dwelling houses, wealth and much more, lying in our possession today,are in fact, in most cases than not, passed down from the older generations to the present ones to own and enjoy. Our parents have imbibed in us the practice of offering Masses for the dearly departed, visit the cemeteries, give alms to the needy and also pray the Rosary in the Church and in our homes during this entire month. In doing so we can remember in gratitude those who have gone before us leaving everything for us and pray for the heavenly repose of their souls.Some of these souls may still be languishing in the fires of purgatory and may be longing for our prayers as they are unable to help themselves. may this holy and noble tradition continue.

Opening Prayer
The meeting began with a prayer led by the representatives of SCC 15 and 16.

Welcome
The President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Rev. Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes, welcomed the members on behalf of the Executive Committee (Exco). He invoked the blessings of the Almighty upon all PPC members and their families.

Reading and Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes
The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes were passed by the house, approved and seconded.

Dear Readers,

Hope you are following our series on the New Testament Letters, and applied the summaries we published in the previous issues. We continue this series, and the Letter we focus on for this month is the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

The First Letter to the Corinthians is one of St. Paul’s most practical letters. Paul writes to the Christian community at Corinth, which was facing divisions, moral challenges and confusion about Christian life and worship. Through this letter, Paul calls the Christians to unity, holiness, love and faithfulness to Christ.

What comes to mind when we hear the word saint? Perhaps a statue in church, a familiar prayer or the name of a saint we invoke whenever we need help. But have we ever stopped to wonder what makes the saints so special and why the Catholic Church dedicates an entire day to honouring them?

Every year on 1st November, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates All Saints’ Day, a solemn feast honouring all those who have attained the glory of heaven. It celebrates not only well-known saints such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua and St. Teresa of Calcutta, but also countless holy men and women whose names may never be known to us. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for a chosen few; it is a calling for every Christian.

We have all mourned the loss of a loved one. We offer masses, recite the Rosary and offer alms to hasten their purification and lead them to heaven. After rejoicing with the Saints on November 1st, the Mother Church intercedes with Christ, for the suffering souls, still groaning in pain, awaiting Paradise. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven for those´who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified. (CC1030)

How long do we have to stay in Purgatory? Although its a complex subject, let us pursue the teachings of the Catholic Church and seek answers through the lives of Saints. Hell, Heaven and purgatory are beyond the prism of time. As Pope Benedict pointed out in his encyclical ‘Spe Salvi’, purgatory is a state of purification rather than a place. Although temporary, it might seem like an eternity. The primary objective of purgatory is to mature the soul for communion with God.

“Let the little children come to me.” (Mathew 19:14, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16) Children are deeply valued by God, and that entering the kingdom of heaven requires a childlike heart.While, ‘World Children’s Day’ is observed on November 20, by the United Nations, India celebrates it on November 14, as a tribute to His legacy, on the birthday of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, lovingly called by children as, “Chacha Nehru.”

His birthday is celebrated across India as Children’s Day (Bal Diwas). November14, is more than just a date – it is a reminder that children are the ‘heart’ and ‘hope’ of a nation.

By celebrating this day with love and purpose, we create a world where every child feels respected, safe and motivated to achieve their dreams. It is a time to appreciate their role in building the future of our nation.

On this World Day of the Poor, we are invited to look beyond ourselves and notice those who carry heavy burdens, lack basic necessities, or suffer quietly. The Lord calls us not to indifference, but to compassion. Scripture reminds us that faith is expressed not merely in words, but in the way we treat those who are Vulnerable.

Remember the Poor—Christ Comes to Us
Poverty has many faces. Some hunger for bread; others long for dignity, safety, companionship, and hope. The poor are not problems to be solved, but God’s people, deserving respect and love. Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When we visit the sick, share what we have, listen without judgment, or offer kindness, we serve Christ Himself. Even the smallest act of care carries spiritual meaning. We need not wait for a special occasion to show mercy. A shared meal, a patient conversation, or a simple visit can restore someone’s sense of belonging and remind them that they are never alone in our daily lives.