St. Sebastian Church

The feast of St. Sebastian Church, Aquem, is celebrated on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, every year. This year too the church celebrates the grand Feast of our Patron Saint Sebastian on Sunday, 2nd March ’25 in all grandeur.

Our Parish Annual Adoration was held on 16th February ’25, the Sunday before the novenas, to pray in unison as one community reflecting on the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The novenas of our Patron Saint Sebastian, began in solemn religious fervour, with the blessing of the Banner (MADDI) on 20th February ’25 at 12 pm, solemnised by the Church Cofre, which incidentally always happens to be a Thursday. Every evening, saw a large gathering of the devout parishioners of Aquem, for the rosary at 5:30 pm followed by the novena mass. The nine days novena was patronised by celebrants, from far and wide, who broke the word to day the congregation, with the theme chosen for the day, most efficiently. The church choir added to the solemnity, every day.

“POSITIVE THOUGHTS GENERATE POSITIVE FEELINGS AND ATTRACT POSITIVE ENERGY ’’ is a beautiful quote, to which many of you will agree.

What is positive thinking?

Positive thinking simply means expecting best outcome even in a difficult situation.

Our mind is the most potent tool that can have a strong jolt on our body negatively or positively. Positive thoughts can boost your immune system whereas negative thinking can contribute to anxiety, depression and serious health problems. When we have good thoughts we can be more productive. Sometimes in moments of sadness or when we experience disappointment, we isolate ourselves and wander aimlessly through life with no clear direction. During these times, positive self- talk can help us in reducing stress and anxiety.

Exams can be stressful, and during this time, students need nourishing food that keeps them energized, focused, and healthy. A warm bowl of ragi porridge or “nachnem tizan” is a perfect comfort meal—easy to digest, packed with nutrients, and quick to prepare.

Otmik Bhonvddi ( spiritual Tour)

2025 voros Utsovik Voros ani hea utsovik vorsak “ Bhorvanxeancho Yatrekar” ho vixoi ghetla. Ami sogllim hea sonvsarant yatrekaram, sangatan sorgim Rajeachi vatt bhorvanxean choltanv. Hench monant dovrun ami Saude Saibin, Aquem, Legio Mariechim vangddi sangatan otmik ani bhorvanxean bhorlolim yatram korunk ami dusrea Legio Mariechea vangddeank bhett korunk ani bhavartachi govaiki diunk, Piedade Saininichi firgoz, Divar, hangasor gelim. Amcho Otmik guru and padr vigar Fr. Agnelo Rodrigues ani Padr Kur Fr. Josely Rocha hanchea marg dorxona khala ami hem pavl fuddem marlem.

“Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.’” – John 6:35

The children began their faith preparation in June, learning prayers and attending catechism classes every Sunday. Their journey was guided by dedicated catechists, with the parents also taking great initiative in supporting their faith formation.

The Catechetical Annual Day of St. Sebastian Church, Aquem, was celebrated on 16th February 2025 with great enthusiasm and participation from students, parents, catechists, and parishioners. The event began with a prayer, followed by a prayer dance performed by the Communion class, setting a spiritual tone for the evening. The guests were warmly welcomed, and a theme song enactment by Book 7 students added a meaningful touch.

Mondirant Jezuchi bhettovnnim-chi porob ami Fevrerache 2 tarker mhanoitanv. Hea disa ami Jezu Krist Sonvsaracho uzvadd soglleam porzank uzvadd ditolo uzvadd zaun asa mhonn ugdass kortanv. Ankvar Maria aplea Putak Devak bhettoita.Hacho ughddas korunk ami vatichem pursanv kaddtanv. Jezu uzvaddaitolo uzvadd zaun asa. Soglleam porzank uzvaddaitolo uzvadd Suami Jezu Krist zaun asa. Ami sogllim Tachea uzvaddan ravunk favo punn baili khunna koxi ami io pettleleo vati Gheun Igorjent bitor sortoleanv. Haka don karonna asat, poilem Jezuk mondirant bhettoilo tacho ughddas korunk ani teach borabor amkaim povitr Snan mell’lolo tacho ugddas kaddun amchem Kristi jivit novsorunk ho dis amkam ulo korta. Tor amchea hatant pettloleo vati gheun jivitant ami Kristacho uzvadd zaunk vaurumya.

We are all delighted that the 45 days Sacred Exposition of our St. Francis Xavier, went off very well starting from 21/11/24 to 05/01/25.We need to thank and praise God for ensuring an incident free exposition which was attended by several lakes of people coming from all over the world. Undoubtedly this was one of the better organised expositions and devotees were very much impressed with the overall arrangements which were in place, keeping in mind all the required details. This exposition also coincided with the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, for which the theme chosen by our Pope Francis was,” Pilgrims of Hope”. I only hope and pray that all our prayers during this period will bring about a renewal of our Christian life and help in spreading peace and harmony amongst us all.

St. Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was a Christian apostle who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the 1st century. His understanding of hope is deeply rooted in his Christian faith that was his personal encounter with our Lord Jesus on his way to Damascus. His understanding of Hope is highly reflected in his letters to the early Christian communities.

Ø Hope as a Theological Virtue
St. Paul considers hope to be one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13). He sees hope as a gift from God that enables believers to trust in His promises and to look forward to eternal life.