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The President, Rev. Fr. Simpliciano Nazareth Fernandes, addressed the members and encouraged everyone to pray regularly, especially during the month of May, which is dedicated to the Rosary. He said that whenever possible, families should gather for Rosary near a cross, chapel, or in their homes, as it is a very good spiritual practice.

He reminded the members that Our Lady appeared to the three children of Fátima — Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lúcia dos Santos – in 1917 while they were praying. He also spoke about the need for peace in the world and referred to the wars and conflicts taking place in many countries today. He said that if people truly desire peace, they must pray sincerely and practise penance. He expressed concern that many youth today are more attracted to materialistic things and often neglect prayer and sacrifice, which can lead them away from good values and spiritual growth.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses. -Acts 1:8

On the 12th of May 2026, 43 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation, a truly special and memorable day for every candidate. On this blessed occasion, the candidates received the gifts of the Holy Spirit and were strengthened in their faith journey to be witnesses to the Lord.

The preparation for this sacrament did not begin only on the day itself, but from the very moment the candidates were informed that they would be receiving Confirmation. The students faithfully completed their proximate preparation, attended the retreat, and both parents and candidates participated in the Sacrament of Confession in preparation for this grace-filled day.

Feast Day 13th June

Saint Anthony of Padua is remembered across the world as the “Saint of Miracles,” but behind every miracle was a life filled with obedience, faith, humility, and discipline. His life teaches us that true greatness does not come from power or wealth, but from complete trust in God and loving service to others.

St. Anthony lived a life of deep obedience. He faithfully followed God’s call, dedicating himself to prayer, preaching, and helping the poor. Even when he faced rejection, hardships, and danger, he never gave up. His obedience gave him strength to continue his mission with courage and peace.

On the morning of third May, we were blessed to begin our visit to the Saint Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre at old Goa. The 45 minutes bus ride there did not feel very long because when you are with your friends, time flies by. Within no time, we found ourselves at the gate of a large property positioned at the top of a hill. We were met with a refreshing silence, which is much different to the bustling streets of Margao. We were soon welcomed and led to a hall where a brief description of the place was given to us. We were told amazing facts and some stories about Saint Francis Xavier. We were also told about the meaningful prayer sessions that took place at a room in the centre and were later taken to visit and even given the opportunity of praying there. We were then given breakfast and sometime to freshen up after the journey. Not long after this, we were seated back at the hall and our first session began.

Whatever you do, do it with love, as service to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

As I complete my term as the President of the Catechetical Association, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, beautiful memories, and immense joy for having had the opportunity to serve this wonderful parish family.

This journey would never have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of many people who stood beside us throughout this catechetical year.

Carroll Stuhlmueller calls Peter and Paul “Twin Apostles.” Peter he says was responsible for stability and continuity. Paul was “the line of enrichment. He developed the theology of World Apostolate.”

Peter’s true name was Simon. It was Jesus who renamed him ‘Simon Cephas,’ which is an Aramaic word meaning, ‘Rock.’ The Greek word for rock, ‘Petros’ became Simon’s new name, Peter. God established the firm foundation of His Church, on the faith of Peter.
Paul who was known as Saul, had his pride transformed into humility. His name Paulus, meaning “little, less,” demonstrates this. Paul’s zeal for making converts never died. He passionately preached his convictions, always dreaming of new visions, always ready to go where no one has yet laboured for Christ.

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, is one of the oldest and most significant festivals in the Christian church. It uniquely commemorates the birth of a saint rather than their martyrdom, celebrating the miraculous arrival of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ.

The Visitation and Recognition
The miraculous nature of the birth of St. John the Baptist continued during Mary’s visitation to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth. Scripture records that upon hearing Mary’s greeting, the unborn John leapt with joy in Elizabeth’s womb. This event, known as the Visitation, marked John as the first to recognize the presence of the Messiah, Jesus, while both were still in the womb.

A New Pentecost

The Church was born on the day of Pentecost. Yet a local Church like a Parish is refreshed and renewed many times. When a section of the parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we have surely a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit over our Church in abundance. When our 42 youngsters receive this Sacrament of the growth of Christian life the grace flows over the whole Church of St. Sebastian, namely over every member of the Parish community.

From this perspective we will have another Pentecost in our Parish on May, 12 at 4 p.m. when the bishop will lay his hands on the our youngsters and pray over them annointing them with the oil of Chrism. The Spirit of the Lord comes down upon them and upon every member of the Parish family through them. It is a sacrament of community renewal and growth.

In the Old Testament, Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew), was an annual celebration of the giving of the First Covenant. It was a feast of joy and gratitude, celebrating God’s provision for the harvest and his covenant with Israel. According to tradition, the Ten Commandments, were given to Moses on Mount Sinai on this day, 50 days after the Exodus from Egypt, creating a direct parallel to the New Testament, Pentecost, which marks the New Covenant.

The coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) on the Feast of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, marked the out pouring of the Holy Spirit as per Jesus’ promise, on his followers in Jerusalem. The Spirit came and “rested on each one,” at Pentecost. (Acts 2:3). The sound as of a mighty rushing wind and the cloven tongues as of fire, were signs that accompanied, giving the indication of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

St. Athanasius was born around 296 AD in Alexandria. It is believed that he was raised in a good Christian family that helped nurture his faith from a young age.

Even as a child, Athanasius had a special love for God. He was curious, thoughtful, and always eager to understand who Jesus truly is. This deep interest slowly became his life’s calling, and he chose to dedicate himself completely to Christ. Over time, he became the Bishop of Alexandria, guiding people and helping them grow in their faith.

His journey, however, was not easy. Many people during his time believed that Jesus was not truly God. But Athanasius bravely stood up for the truth and supported the teachings of the First Council of Nicaea.

His faith was not just in words he lived as a true bearer of Christ, showing God’s love through his life and teachings. His famous work, On the Incarnation, beautifully explains how Jesus came to save us. Because of his courage, he was sent into exile five times, yet he never gave up. He remained a faithful witness to Christ in every situation.