Pormoll

Saint Matthew, one of the Apostles who was chosen by Jesus, also known as Levi the tax collector, was an unlikely inspirational figure. He was a tax collector in Capernaum and worked for the government, collecting taxes for the Roman Empire. Many did not like people in this position. He was a controversial and disliked person. One day, as he was at his office, Jesus went to him and called, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:13), and he just got up and followed Him.

And thus his story of discipleship continued. The same event is recorded in Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27–28.

He hosted a feast at his house for Jesus, which was not liked by many. They claimed that Jesus was entertaining or having meals with sinners. For this remark, Jesus replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Born on April 24^th 1581 in Pouy, France, Saint Vincent de Paul transformed Christian Mercy through a Life of Radical Service to the Poor. His life was defined by striking virtues, profound humility, boundless compassion, practiced wisdom and an unwavering belief in treating the marginalized with absolute dignity. Rather than viewing charity as mere pity, he organized structured, compassionate relief that saw the face of Christ in every suffering soul.

This enduring flame of St. Vincent inspired Blessed Fredric Ozanam, who founded the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Paris in 1833. Challenged to demonstrate his faith through tangible action. Ozanam gathered fellow university students to directly visit and comfort impoverished families in their homes. Celebrated annually on his feast day of September 9^th, Ozanam’s vision proved that youthful passion paired with quiet action can heal societal wounds.

“Celebrating the Archangels involves drawing inspiration from their two-fold fidelity: to contemplate God, and to make Him known.”

Michaelmas,  also known as the Feast of the Archangels on 29th September is a profound spiritual celebration that honors the celestial protectors and messengers, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, who are mentioned by name in the Sacred Scripture.

It is an opportunity for the Catholic Church to focus on God – “Creator of Heaven and Earth, of the Visible and the Invisible Universe.”

It reminds believers of the power of divine intercession through these celestial beings and their vital role in the plan of salvation.

It is also an opportunity to meditate on how the Archangels can guide and protect the faithful in their daily lives.

Their names all end with the Hebrew suffix, “-el” meaning “God”:

Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

How am I serving my parish? … How do I witness Christ in my family, workplace, and community?… What gifts has God given me that I can place at the service of others?

Well, if you haven’t, then reflect on it for a moment, as you read about Lay Apostolate Sunday (27^th September),a special occasion on the last Sunday of September observed in Goa to recognize and celebrate the indispensable role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church.

When we think of Goa, we often think of beaches, greenery and, of course, the heavy monsoon rains. Water seems like something we have plenty of. But despite receiving so much rainfall every year, water is a resource that we cannot afford to take for granted.

Water is a part of almost everything we do. We use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning and washing. Goa also depends heavily on water for agriculture, tourism, restaurants, hotels and other businesses. With more people visiting and settling in the state, the demand for water is naturally increasing.