St. Sebastian Church

It is rightly said that grandparents are the cornerstones of a family and through them we experience unconditional love and loads of wisdom. In effect they anchor us to our roots as they bridge the gap between the past and the present and also shower the younger generations with warmth, patience and invaluable life lessons. As a fitting tribute, we celebrate Grandparents Day every year by felicitating them and having nice celebrations.This year too was no different and grandparents day was celebrated on 26th July, Feast day of St.Joaquim & St. Anna, grandparents of Jesus. The usual fun, music, felicitations and presentation of gifts and mementos was the order of the day.

Opening Prayer: The meeting began with a prayer led by SCC 9 and SCC 10, invoking God’s guidance and blessings on the meeting and all those present.

Welcome Address: The moderator welcomed all the members on behalf of the Parish Priest and the Executive Committee and thanked everyone for their presence and continued support in parish activities.

Reading and Confirmation of Previous Minutes: The Secretary presented the minutes of the previous PPC meeting which was passed by the  house approved and seconded.

Duties for Church Workers: The allocation of duties for church workers was discussed to ensure the proper upkeep of the church and the smooth conduct of liturgical celebrations. Responsibilities such as maintaining the cleanliness of the church, cemetery ,washing and ironing altar linens and vestments, capes and other liturgical garments etc.

Monthly Intention of the Apostleship of Prayer:  For Evangelization in the City.

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

Total Surrender to Jesus: A Heart Reborn At 80

Fifteen minutes before landing at Mumbai Airport, a massive heart attack struck. Sustained by immediate Oxygen on flight and an urgent Airport ECG, I reached home at 3 AM and immediately went for the morning Mass to thank Jesus. Diagnosed with three 100% blockages, BYPASS Surgery was set under Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr. Kaushal Pandey at the Hinduja Hospital on 27^th January, 2025. The previous day, I prepared my soul through the Sacraments of Confession, Holy Communion and Anointing. “YOUNG AT 80” and a fearless child of God, I walked into the operation theatre, shocking the medical team with my courage. Through total surrender and an eight-hour surgery, Jesus healed me and I was discharged in 6 days. With simple and ordinary faith and belief, recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God to work in my life.

Dear Readers, The ‘Pormoll’ committee is delighted to introduce a new monthly feature in Pormoll titled “Letter of the Month.” Through this initiative, we invite every parishioner and family to journey through the inspiring letters of the New Testament, beginning with the First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Each month, we will explore one letter by presenting its background, key themes, memorable verses, reflections, and practical applications for daily Christian living.   

The Sacred Scripture is a living Word that nourishes our faith and draws us closer to Christ. By reading one New Testament letter each month, we hope to foster a greater love for the Bible, strengthen our understanding of the Catholic faith, and inspire every member of our parish to become a joyful witness to the Gospel. May this journey through the New Testament deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and encourage us to live His Word with faith, hope, and love.

 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

There are moments in life when God’s presence becomes so real that it changes the way we see everything around us. The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord reminds us of one such moment. Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. There, His face shone with heavenly glory, His clothes became dazzling white and the disciples witnessed the divine majesty that had always been hidden beneath His humble humanity. Then they heard the Father’s voice:

“This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.”

The Transfiguration was more than a miraculous event. It was a glimpse of the Resurrection before the suffering on the Cross. Jesus strengthened His disciples for the trials ahead by revealing that God’s glory would ultimately triumph over pain and death. This message speaks to us today. Life often leads us through valleys of sorrow, disappointment and uncertainty. We may wonder where God is in our struggles. The Transfiguration assures us that even when His glory is hidden, His presence is never absent. Every cross we carry can become a path leading us closer to Him.

The 15th of August is a day of profound significance for us in India, and especially for our faith. On this day, faith, patriotism and gratitude come together in a unique celebration. As the Church rejoices in the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our nation celebrates its Independence Day. We honour Our Lady as the Patroness of India, seeking her loving intercession for our country. Adding to the joy is Goa’s cherished Konsachem Fest, the Festival of the New Harvest.

The Assumption reminds us that at the end of her earthly life, Mother Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Her life was one of complete trust in God’s will, from her humble “Yes” at the Annunciation to her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross. Her Assumption gives us hope that those who faithfully follow Christ are called to share in His eternal glory.

 “The priest is not a priest for himself; he is a priest for you.”
–  St. John Vianney.

August 4th is widely celebrated in the Catholic Church as the feast day of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests.

This day is honoured as Pastor’s Day or Priest’s Day to appreciate a priest’s profound dedication to his parish. The feast is a touchstone for those preparing for – or already living – a life of ordained service.

We as a community need to pray for our parish priest, seminarians and those in pastoral formation, reflecting on the vocation of parish ministry and the example St. Vianney set.

“Abide in Me: Building Families Rooted in Christ.”

 30th August, the Day of the Family Apostolate is celebrated throughout our Archdiocese—a special occasion that reminds us that the family is the heart of both the Church and society. It is a day to thank God for the gift of our families, to reflect on the challenges they face, and to renew our commitment to building homes where faith, love, and hope flourish.

This celebration takes an even deeper meaning as our Archdiocese journeys under this year’s pastoral theme, “Abide in Me”. Jesus invites each one of us—and every family—to remain close to Him. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains united to the vine, our families find strength, peace, and joy when Christ is at the center of our lives.