St. Sebastian Church

On July 26, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Through this holy family, we see a beautiful example of faith being passed down across generations. On this feast of the blessed grandparents of Jesus, we are also reminded to honour our grandparents and the elderly, recognising their contributions to families and society,their role in passing on faith and traditions, and encouraging younger generations to connect with and learn about God from them.

This day is all about showing love to our grandparents, giving them a chance to show their love for us and helping children to learn about wisdom, strength, guidance and support that older people can provide. They have added immeasurably to the strength of our families enriching us with wisdom and compassion. Their deep faith helps them teach their grandchildren right from wrong and guide them spiritually. The stories of their lives, triumphs and failures, events and great milestones have profoundly influenced who we are. It is through them that we have visualized the lives of those who came before us.

“Grandparents are the original influencers. They shaped our parents, which means they basically shaped us too.”

As a teen, I’m at that stage where I’m figuring life out. School, friends, future plans, and why adults get hyper about us eating at KFC or McDonald’s? In the middle of all that chaos, my grandparents are my anchor.

I have been blessed to receive the love from both my paternal and maternal grandparents, and that double dose of wisdom and care is something I don’t take lightly.

Have you ever had that sudden moment of panic when you realize your mobile phone is missing? Your heart skips a beat. You frantically check your pockets. search your bag, retrace your steps, and call your number. For a few moments. nothing else matters. Finding that lost phone becomes your top priority.

But let us ask ourselves a more important question: Do we feel the same urgency when we realize that we are drifting away from God? Does an alarm sound in our hearts when prayer becomes a burden, when sin becomes a habit, or when worldly ambitions push God to the margins of our lives? Or have we become so comfortable that we no longer notice the distance?

St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most inspiring women in the New Testament, Her life reflects God’s mercy, the power of transformation and the importance of faithful discipleship. She is best known as the first witness of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is honored by the Church as the “Apostle to the Apostles. “Mary Magdalene came from the town of Magdala near the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus healed her from seven demons: “Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had come out” (Luke 8:2). After receiving this great blessing, she became a devoted follower of Jesus and supported His ministry along with other women disciples.

In today’s fast-moving world, emotional struggles often go unnoticed on behind achievements, routines and responsibilities. The focus is not only managing distress but on helping individuals truly understand themselves, strengthen resilience and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Counselling and therapy is a space for self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthier relationships and personal growth. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, academic stress, parenting struggles, counselling can provide structured support across all age Groups:

Praising and thanking the Lord our God, we, the Manager, Rev. Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes, Administrator Mrs. Cassie D’Souza, the teaching and non-teaching staff, and our beloved students, began the new academic year 2026-27 on 6th June 2026.

A warm welcome was extended to all students as the school premises were beautifully decorated with balloons and charts. A hearty welcome was also accorded to our new Manager, Rev. Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes, and our new Administrator, Mrs. Cassie D’Souza.

Hea vorsa vhodde umedin ani bhoktin,Bhagivont Anton-ichem Trezen, Aquem-Tolebando Kopelant ami ghonnghonnan somoromblem. Tech porim Povitr Tritvechea adaran, 13ver Jun-ache,amchi Porob vhodda dhobhajean monoili.

Amkam hea adhunik kallar lagu zatelea veg-vegllea vixoiancher ami dor disa niall kelo.Zaitea Iadnik bhavanim, zoxe porim, Fr.Slater Alemao, Fr.George Ratos, Fr.Malcolm Colaco, Fr.Ashlif Correia, Fr.Ashley Alphonso, Fr.Andrew Pereira ani Fr. Wenceslau Pinto, hannim Provochon korun amchea monancher uzvadd haddlo.

DEV BOREM KORUM!

Another year of my pastoral work comes to an end and only one year in a new place. I will cherish only good memories of this year and of this new budding Parish. A new Parish but veteran parishioners, indeed! When we have good, active and concerned Catholics in a parish, the work and the worries of the Parish Priest are all met and satisfied. Even though I was not given as Assistant I am simply amazed the way things worked out so successfully. That’s all because the members of the Parish are very supportive fervent Catholics who take it as their own responsibility to keep the Parish going and growing.