St. Sebastian Church

Patron of: drug addicts, prisoners, families and the pro-life movement
“I don’t know what’s going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s reaction was, “I prayed very hard to Our Lady to tell me what would happen to me. She appeared, holding in her hands two crowns, one white, one red. She asked if I would like to have them—one was for purity, the other for martyrdom. I said, ‘I choose both.’ She smiled and disappeared.” After that he was not the same.
He entered the minor seminary of the Conventual Franciscans in Lvív–then Poland, now Ukraine– near his birthplace, and at 16 became a novice. Though Maximilian later achieved doctorates in philosophy and theology, he was deeply interested in science, even drawing plans for rocket ships. Read more

We read about Transfiguration of Jesus Christ in the New Testament as an event that occurred where in Jesus  Transfigured (Transformed) and became radiant in Glory, upon a mountain top. This event is written in the Gospels of Matthew 9, 28-36, Mark 9 2-8, and also Luke 9, 28-36. They recount this occasion. In this event Jesus and three of His Apostles namely Peter, James and John, go up to the Mountain top nearby where they were preaching. Now this mountain is known as Mount of TRANSFIGURATION.  Read more

When I was requested by “Pormoll” team for an article in the next issue I had almost run out of topics having written frequently on our magazine. As a precursor, I thought, this time I would divert writing on religious issues and dwell on something different; something personal.
That night, as Goa was being pounded by heavy downpour and as rains and wind kept bashing on my window panes, I tucked in more inside my blanket to avoid the cold outside. For some reason sleep evaded me and as I kept thinking it suddenly struck me that this month, I would be turning 70. Although not life-altering by any means, it was, to me at least, a significant event. Crossing such a milestone in present era is a blessing. Many wanted to reach there but only few were fortunate. Read more

“A Church without Youth, is a Church without future. Moreover, Youth without Church is Youth without a future”.
St. Sebastian Parish Youth Association (SSPYA) organized the Inaugural Mass on 7th July, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., which was the onset for the Pastoral Year 2024-2025. The Holy Eucharistic celebration was organised by the Parish Youth under the guidance of the Animator Fr Josely Rocha. Read more

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and/or clenching of the teeth.
Over time this grinding can wear down the enamel, can lead to sensitive teeth.
It can also lead to TMJ problems, jaw muscle pain, chipping of teeth and damage to restorative dental work.
Your dentist will be able to notice signs of bruxism during your routine dental check up.
Bruxism is often caused by stress and anxiety. If you are stressed or anxious during the day, you are more likely to experience the effects of stress at night too, can cause jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep. Read more

TADEV:Dev boro dis dium,Simao Titiv.Itlo ghosghoxeanim pavs poddta astanaim,tum khoim vochunk bhair sorlai?

SIMAO:Baba Tadev,pavsant vo votant,amchem dispottem jivit fuddem vochunk zai nhoim? Bazarant vochunk bhair sorlam.

TADEV:Rosteancher kitlem udok vhanvta nhoim? Read more

Mogall Firgozkaramno,
Tumkam dor kuttumbak ani dor firgozkarak ani Fr. Andrew Pereira tumchea adlea Vigar-ak, maie-mogaecho nomoskar
Novi Firgoz, novo lok, novem vatavoronn, noveo chali, riti, veglleo chali riti, sogllench novem. Zhadd-pedd, Mhadei nodhi, vall, sukhnim, zanavoram hancho sangat ani avaz aikun tin vorsam Satari vattaran (Taluka) hanv jielom ani gonvllik vaur chodd o-kristi loka modem kelo. Atam vatavoronn dusrem, lok dusro. Birondem, Satari avaz ietalo punn to sukhnneamcho ani zanavoramcho, hanga avaz ieta motor gaddiancho ani modianim ratri ‘train’ veta tichea horn-acho. Read more

Communication and remaining connected is the primary means through which individuals share and exchange information, ideas and thoughts-most importantly fosters strong relationships and affects our everyday lives. Being the cornerstone of human interaction, effective communication facilitates understanding, resolves conflicts and promotes collaboration. Whether verbal or nonverbal, it is the key to a harmonious family and society life, nurturing empathy and building trust in each other like a tool for human connection, understanding and progress. This is true in every aspect of life, whether in personal relationships, professional or social interactions. In personal relationships, it allows individuals to express their feelings and needs, while also listening to and acknowledging others. Read more

Thomas, a Syrian name, meaning ‘Twin’.  Thomas was also known as Didymus in Greek and Jumeau in French.

Saint Thomas was probably born in Galilee to a humble family, but there is no indication that he was a fisherman. He was a Jew, but there is no account of how he became an apostle to Christ. Nevertheless, thanks to the fourth Gospel his personality is clearer to us than some of the other Twelve. Thomas’ name occurs in Matthew (10:3), Mark (3:18), Luke (6) and Acts of the Apostles (1:13), but in the Gospel of John he plays a particularly distinctive part. Thomas is often condemned for his lack of belief, but Thomas was equally courageous, willing to stand by Jesus in dangerous times. He also relentlessly sought the Truth. Like an inquisitive child, he constantly asked questions. His wonderful profession, “My Lord and my God,” is the clearest declaration of Jesus’ divinity in Holy Scripture. Read more

I feel delighted that I am asked to write an article for Pormoll, the July issue, since I am no longer a parishioner of Aquem. You wonder why. It is because I have left Aquem and St. Sebastian Parish and moved permanently to “Daddy’s Home of Joy” in Guirdolim, Chandor. Several factors contributed to my decision to make this transition, but I will mention a few. In 2018 I moved from Mumbai for good and settled in Aquem, taking it to be my final destination. I was 73 years then and felt good and positive about the move. I must say that I enjoyed every one of my days since then, because help was always at hand from my immediate neighbours, relatives in Margao and our family friends of many years in Aquem. Read more