St. Sebastian Church

Travelling has always been a source of peace, joy, and spiritual renewal in my life. By God’s abundant grace, I have been privileged to visit many places over the years as a student, as a professional, and with my family. Yet, during my recent pilgrimage to Chennai, I could not help but wonder, why it had taken me so long to visit such a sacred and spiritually enriching destination within our own country. Those who have already undertaken this pilgrimage will undoubtedly agree that it is a deeply inspiring and soul-stirring experience. Chennai holds a unique place in Christian history through its profound association with Our Lord Jesus Christ through St. Thomas the Apostle. The rich blend of faith, history, and devotion that permeates these holy sites leaves an enduring impression on every pilgrim.

Every year on 12th July, people around the world observe the International Day of Hope, a day that reminds us of the power of hope to transform lives, communities and nations. In a world often troubled by conflict, poverty, loneliness and uncertainty, hope remains a light that guides us towards a better future.

Hope is more than optimism or wishful thinking. It is the confidence that positive change is possible even in difficult circumstances. Hope gives strength to those who are suffering, courage to those facing challenges and encouragement to those who feel discouraged. It inspires people to continue working for peace, justice and the common good.

THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND FAITH ELIJAH’S TRIUMPH

High above the MEDITERRANEAN SEA rises MOUNT CARMEL, A MAJESTIC RIDGE IN NORTHERN ISRAEL whose very name means “GARDEN’ OR “VINEYARD OF GOD”. Throughout sacred history this mountain has stood as a thin place – a landscape where the veil between heaven and earth grows breath-takingly translucent. It is a place of profound encounter where the living God has repeatedly answered His children through fire, whisper and grace.

(19th July 2026 – Day dedicated to Natural Family Planning in our Archdiocese)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is rooted in Catholic teaching on God’s design for human sexuality, marriage and family life, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood (Familiaris consortio:33,34&35).

The Church as Teacher and Mother for Couples
In the field of conjugal morality the Church is Teacher and Mother. It is close to married couples who find themselves in difficulty over this important point of moral life. She knows that many couples encounter difficulties not only in the fulfilment of the moral norm but even in understanding its values.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:41-42

On February 2, 2021, Pope Francis expanded the memorial of Martha on 29 July, to include Martha’s sister and brother, Mary and Lazarus, in the Liturgical Calendar. Thus, we celebrate these three siblings together, as the patron saints of siblings and close friends of Jesus Christ.

They lived in Bethany, which was only a short distance from Jerusalem. Martha was active, enterprising, careful and given to exterior things. She is remembered especially for the story in which she had been preparing a meal for Jesus, while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him, leaving all the work to Martha.

Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was an Italian peasant girl who became one of the youngest and most widely venerated saints in the Catholic Church. Remembered as the patron saint of youth, purity, and forgiveness, her legacy centers on her profound courage and miraculous willingness to forgive her attacker before her death.

Birth, early life Endurance and Responsibilities
Maria Goretti was born in Corinaldo (Italy) to a poor farming family. Enduring severe poverty, her family relocated to the marshy Roman countryside to work as sharecroppers. The hardships worsened when her father, Luigi, died of malaria. Maria Goretti was just nine years old.

The word Carmel comes from a Hebrew word meaning “garden”, “orchard”, or “vineyard of God.”

Each year on 16th July, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, honouring Mother Mary under a title that has inspired generations of Christians to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, contemplation and faithful service.

The title “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel” originates from Mt. Carmel in Israel. This mount is associated with the prophet Elijah, who challenged the prophets of Baal there. Because of its beauty and biblical significance, it became a place of prayer and solitude for Christian hermits in the 12th century, who formed the Order of Carmelites. Their headquarters is the Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel.

On July 26, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Through this holy family, we see a beautiful example of faith being passed down across generations. On this feast of the blessed grandparents of Jesus, we are also reminded to honour our grandparents and the elderly, recognising their contributions to families and society,their role in passing on faith and traditions, and encouraging younger generations to connect with and learn about God from them.

This day is all about showing love to our grandparents, giving them a chance to show their love for us and helping children to learn about wisdom, strength, guidance and support that older people can provide. They have added immeasurably to the strength of our families enriching us with wisdom and compassion. Their deep faith helps them teach their grandchildren right from wrong and guide them spiritually. The stories of their lives, triumphs and failures, events and great milestones have profoundly influenced who we are. It is through them that we have visualized the lives of those who came before us.

“Grandparents are the original influencers. They shaped our parents, which means they basically shaped us too.”

As a teen, I’m at that stage where I’m figuring life out. School, friends, future plans, and why adults get hyper about us eating at KFC or McDonald’s? In the middle of all that chaos, my grandparents are my anchor.

I have been blessed to receive the love from both my paternal and maternal grandparents, and that double dose of wisdom and care is something I don’t take lightly.

Have you ever had that sudden moment of panic when you realize your mobile phone is missing? Your heart skips a beat. You frantically check your pockets. search your bag, retrace your steps, and call your number. For a few moments. nothing else matters. Finding that lost phone becomes your top priority.

But let us ask ourselves a more important question: Do we feel the same urgency when we realize that we are drifting away from God? Does an alarm sound in our hearts when prayer becomes a burden, when sin becomes a habit, or when worldly ambitions push God to the margins of our lives? Or have we become so comfortable that we no longer notice the distance?