St. Sebastian Church

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” – Isaiah 9:6
Christmas has always been a time of celebration, but over the years, my understanding of its true meaning has evolved. What once centered around festivities and traditions has become a deeper reflection on the birth of Christ and the values He brings. This shift has transformed how I experience and celebrate the season.
As a child, Christmas felt like pure magic. The whole month of December was filled with excitement, from the beautifully decorated houses to the festive carol singing in the neighborhoods. We would wait eagerly for Christmas Eve, when our family would gather for midnight Mass. The streets would be alive with the sound of carols, the scent of bebinca and sorpotel, and the glow of Christmas lights. For me, Christmas was a time of joy and togetherness, where everything seemed brighter and more colorful. The sense of community was powerful, with everyone coming together to celebrate.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means “a coming, approach, arrival”. When we expect guests to arrive at our homes, we turn the lights on; we anticipate their arrival and welcome them with joy. In Advent, we prepare our homes and churches as we joyfully anticipate His arrival, and the light also gets brighter as we near Christmas day, the day on which the Light of the World was born. St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “Today, the darkness begins to grow shorter and the light to lengthen, as the hours of light become fewer. Do you see that the beams of light are more intense and the sun higher than it has been? Realize that the true light is now here and, through the rays of the Gospel, is illuminating the whole earth”.

At a peaceful South Goa beach, overlooking a golden horizon, the sun was about to set, casting warm hues across the sky. Sound of waves beating on the shore were indicating signs of impending high tide. There was a distant sound of barking dogs that broke the silence and a gentle breeze filled the air. The sky was painted with shades of orange, pink, and purple. Few coconuts trees lining along the beach were casting long shadows below and few meters away from me were children busy making sand castles and playing with the ripples of incoming waves.

Jesus has given us his Blessed Mother as our Spiritual Mother (Rev.12:17), a Heavenly Advocate who intercedes for us.

“The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8th December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary on 8th September. It’s one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.”

The Feast of the Holy Innocents, observed on December 28th, serves as a somber reminder of the innocent lives lost to violence and injustice. This commemoration honors the children who, despite their innocence, suffer from the cruelty and fears of the world. The day highlights the vulnerability of children and calls believers to reflect on the importance of protecting the most defenseless members of society.

You must have probably wondered how celebrities have the perfect smile.
It’s no surprise that many of us look to celebrities for inspiration. Their radiant, flawless smiles are often the result of expertly crafted veneers.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a very thin shell or layer of tooth coloured porcelain or composite. It is placed over the outer portions of your teeth to create an illusion of perfect, shiny teeth.
It is generally done when a tooth has been damaged by decay or accident or has become discoloured due to some reason.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red color and enables the red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. Normal hemoglobin for men ranges from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL and for women from 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to decreased oxygen delivery to the entire body and may include:

Dental infections, also known as tooth infections, are bacterial infections that occur in the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues. These infections can be painful, potentially life-threatening, and affect oral health and overall well-being. Millions of people suffer from dental infections every year. Understanding the types, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures can help individuals maintain good oral health.

The decennial exposition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier is one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Goa. For over four centuries, this sacred tradition has drawn pilgrims, devotees, and tourists alike to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier is enshrined. The event holds deep spiritual meaning for the faithful and offers a unique glimpse into Goa’s rich history and heritage. The exposition not only celebrates the life and works of this great missionary but also serves as a reminder of Goa’s enduring Christian legacy.
Saint Francis Xavier: The Patron of Goa

Goa Liberation Day celebrated annually on December 19th, Marks a historical moment . It commemorates the liberation of Portuguese colonial rule which lasted for 450 years making it one of the oldest European colonies in India.
Goa was colonized by the Portuguese in 1510 and remained under their control even after India gained Independence from the British rule. Despite peaceful negotiation and diplomatic efforts by the Indian Government to persuade the Portuguese to leave, the colonial power remained adamant. By the early 1960’s the India Government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided that military intervention was the only solution on December 18, 1961 Operation Vijay was launched. The Indian Armed Forces i.e. Army, Navy and Air force entered Goa with the mission to end Portuguese rule. The operation lasted less than 36 hours on December 19, 1961, Goa along with Daman and Diu was finally liberated and integrated into India.