St. Sebastian Church

The vibrant spirit of Konkani music resonated across the St. Sebastian Church compound, Aquem, on 29th January as Kantaram Lharam 2026, in its much- anticipated 4th edition, took centre stage. This year’s Konkani Singing Competition was conducted across three categories- Cover Solo, Original Solo, and Duet with the newly introduced Original Solo category receiving an enthusiastic response. The event beautifully celebrated Goa’s rich musical heritage while offering a prestigious platform for talented parishioners from across the state. The core objective of Kantaram Lharam remains the promotion and preservation of Konkani music among parish communities in Goa.

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. (John 6:56)

On 18th January 2026, 21 children received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in our Parish. This sacred occasion marked an important milestone in the spiritual journey of the children as they received Jesus for the first time.

The children were well prepared through the preparatory sessions conducted from 8th January to 17th January 2026, with the guidance and support of Fr. Gabriel Lobo, whose involvement greatly enriched the children’s spiritual formation.

Before we talk about the devotions, a little insight into his life. Little we know is that St. Sebastian was an early Christian martyr during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. According to Tradition, Sebastian enlisted in the Roman army so he could gain access to persecuted Christians and care for them in secret. When authorities discovered his Christian identity, they brought him before the Roman emperor Diocletia who sentenced him to death. Sebastian was tied to a post and shot with arrows, yet he miraculously survived. When St. Irene came to bury him, she found him alive, so she brought him home and restored him to health. Because he was shot by arrows and left for dead, and then later beaten to death, Sebastian is sometimes referred to as the saint who was martyred twice. The Pope built a church where they discovered St. Sebastian’s relics, and a trend emerged for centuries after his death, people sought his intercession for protection against plagues as well as the athletes prayed to him. Besides saints Peter and Paul, Sebastian is considered the third patron saint of the city of Rome. He is also the patron of Rio de Janeiro and several other cities in various countries. Most importantly He is our patron saint.

February 11, 2026, marks the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a NOBIS OF THE STOR day woven into the heart of Catholic Devotion since the apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This Feast coincides with the World Day of the Sick, instituted by St. John Paul II on May 13,1992, to foster greater care, compassion and attention for the suffering and their caregivers. This year Pope Leo XIV’s theme for the 34th observance,” The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing the Pain of others,” invites us to embody the Gospel’s call to active mercy.

The Archdiocesan Catechetical Day 2026 was celebrated at Sts. Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo, on 31st January and 1st February 2026, bringing together 205 lay catechists from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman for two days of faith, fellowship, and gratitude.

A unique aspect of this celebration was the overnight stay with parish families, where 107 families warmly welcomed the catechists into their homes. The heartfelt hospitality, cheerful spirit, and generous preparations of the parishioners made the catechists feel truly at home.

Have you ever wondered what makes a church truly special? Is it the size of the building, its history, or the prayers offered there over many years?

When we speak of the Cathedral Church of Goa, we speak of much more than a beautiful structure; we speak of a place deeply rooted in faith and tradition.

Some saints inspire us by their miracles, some by their words, but St. Sebastian touches our hearts by his courage to suffer, to love, and to die for Christ.

He was young. He had a future filled with honour, comfort, and promise. Yet, when the world asked him to be silent about his faith, he chose faithfulness over fear. When he was saved the first time, he could have easily walked away and lived a quiet life. But he did not. He returned to proclaim the Good News, because he knew why he was sent. Pierced by arrows, wounded and rejected, he still did not give up on God or on people.

We read in Acts of the Apostles, 2, 44-45, the early Christian community in Jerusalem demonstrated extreme unity and generosity by holding all possessions in common. Believers, acting as “one heart and soul” sold lands and houses, bringing the proceeds to the apostles to distribute based on individual needs, ensure no one was needy.

The above report of in the Acts tells us, first, how the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus worked powerfully in the early Church. The community Spirit was the witness to the word, the Church grew far and wide, mission of Salvation was proclaimed to the Nations and the early Christian community became powerful witness of the Resurrection of Christ.

As the Church prepares to enter the sacred season of Lent, we are invited once again to slow our pace, to look inward, and to journey with Jesus toward the Cross. Lent is not merely a time of sacrifice and discipline; it is a season of remembrance of love poured out without measure, of a debt we could never repay, yet one that was completely settled on our behalf.

There is a powerful moment recorded in the Gospel of John. Jesus, battered and bruised, hanging on the Cross, lifts His eyes and speaks words that echo through history: “It is finished.” (John 19:30). In the original language, the word He used-tetelestai-was commonly written on receipts to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. Nothing remained outstanding. Nothing more was required.

Exams are important; but they’re not a horror movie.

For students:

Study a little every day (your brain prefers snacks, not buffets). Understand concepts, practise a few questions, and please sleep All-nighters impress your eye bags, not examiners.
In the exam hall, read the question properly (yes, properly), start with what you know, and keep an eye on the clock…not like it’s a thriller, just a friendly glance.