St. Sebastian Church

Abide In Me (jn 15:4-5)

Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

It gives me great joy to write this, my first message for the July issue of Pormoll, as the newly appointed Parish Priest of Aquem Parish. I thank Almighty God for His loving guidance throughout my 34 years of Priestly Ministry in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

“Everyday is a fresh start, a blank canvas to paint upon. Remember, the future depends on what you do today.” Inspiring and refreshing words of motivation to the young and the old. 

Well, the new academic year 2026-2027 has just begun and the young pillars of tomorrow, right from the tiny tots to the grown up kids, have begun their activities in right earnest. We wish them nothing but the very best in moulding themselves into future successful citizens. New class, new teachers and new friends will definitely add up to a future full of fresh challenges and aspirations. An extra effort from the children, teachers and the parents will go a long way in achieving the best possible results which will be pleasing to one and all. 

Points Discussed In The Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Held In The Month Of June. 

The meeting began with a prayer led by SCC 7 and SCC 8. 

The new Parish Priest Rev Fr Ubaldo Fernandes was welcomed by the Moderator on behalf of the Executive Committee and PPC members with a floral bouquet. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and presented by the Secretary. 

Travelling has always been a source of peace, joy, and spiritual renewal in my life. By God’s abundant grace, I have been privileged to visit many places over the years as a student, as a professional, and with my family. Yet, during my recent pilgrimage to Chennai, I could not help but wonder, why it had taken me so long to visit such a sacred and spiritually enriching destination within our own country. Those who have already undertaken this pilgrimage will undoubtedly agree that it is a deeply inspiring and soul-stirring experience. Chennai holds a unique place in Christian history through its profound association with Our Lord Jesus Christ through St. Thomas the Apostle. The rich blend of faith, history, and devotion that permeates these holy sites leaves an enduring impression on every pilgrim.

Every year on 12th July, people around the world observe the International Day of Hope, a day that reminds us of the power of hope to transform lives, communities and nations. In a world often troubled by conflict, poverty, loneliness and uncertainty, hope remains a light that guides us towards a better future.

Hope is more than optimism or wishful thinking. It is the confidence that positive change is possible even in difficult circumstances. Hope gives strength to those who are suffering, courage to those facing challenges and encouragement to those who feel discouraged. It inspires people to continue working for peace, justice and the common good.

THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND FAITH ELIJAH’S TRIUMPH

High above the MEDITERRANEAN SEA rises MOUNT CARMEL, A MAJESTIC RIDGE IN NORTHERN ISRAEL whose very name means “GARDEN’ OR “VINEYARD OF GOD”. Throughout sacred history this mountain has stood as a thin place – a landscape where the veil between heaven and earth grows breath-takingly translucent. It is a place of profound encounter where the living God has repeatedly answered His children through fire, whisper and grace.

(19th July 2026 – Day dedicated to Natural Family Planning in our Archdiocese)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is rooted in Catholic teaching on God’s design for human sexuality, marriage and family life, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood (Familiaris consortio:33,34&35).

The Church as Teacher and Mother for Couples
In the field of conjugal morality the Church is Teacher and Mother. It is close to married couples who find themselves in difficulty over this important point of moral life. She knows that many couples encounter difficulties not only in the fulfilment of the moral norm but even in understanding its values.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:41-42

On February 2, 2021, Pope Francis expanded the memorial of Martha on 29 July, to include Martha’s sister and brother, Mary and Lazarus, in the Liturgical Calendar. Thus, we celebrate these three siblings together, as the patron saints of siblings and close friends of Jesus Christ.

They lived in Bethany, which was only a short distance from Jerusalem. Martha was active, enterprising, careful and given to exterior things. She is remembered especially for the story in which she had been preparing a meal for Jesus, while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him, leaving all the work to Martha.

Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was an Italian peasant girl who became one of the youngest and most widely venerated saints in the Catholic Church. Remembered as the patron saint of youth, purity, and forgiveness, her legacy centers on her profound courage and miraculous willingness to forgive her attacker before her death.

Birth, early life Endurance and Responsibilities
Maria Goretti was born in Corinaldo (Italy) to a poor farming family. Enduring severe poverty, her family relocated to the marshy Roman countryside to work as sharecroppers. The hardships worsened when her father, Luigi, died of malaria. Maria Goretti was just nine years old.

The word Carmel comes from a Hebrew word meaning “garden”, “orchard”, or “vineyard of God.”

Each year on 16th July, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, honouring Mother Mary under a title that has inspired generations of Christians to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, contemplation and faithful service.

The title “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel” originates from Mt. Carmel in Israel. This mount is associated with the prophet Elijah, who challenged the prophets of Baal there. Because of its beauty and biblical significance, it became a place of prayer and solitude for Christian hermits in the 12th century, who formed the Order of Carmelites. Their headquarters is the Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel.