CANACONA
Parishioners of St Sebastian’s Church, Loliem, celebrated the feast of their Patron St Sebastian on Saturday.
Fr Santana D’Souza, Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Church, Galgibaga, was the main celebrant for the Festal Mass. Fr Ivo Dias OCD, Fr Teodozio Fernandes OCD (Chaplain of Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, Xellim), Fr Vency Fernandes sfx, Fr Sydney Dias Csc, (Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church), Fr Vijith Mathias Csc, (Assistant Priest), Fr Chennaiah Csc, Fr Angelo D’Costa, and Fr Joseph Correia concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
“Let us emulate life and virtues of St Sebastian to give witness to Jesus,” said Fr Santana D’Souza while delivering a homily on the theme, ‘Taking the example of St. Sebastian, let us do as Jesus has done and become his witnesses as his followers.’
Fr D’Souza exhorted the faithful to know the Word of God and proclaim the same in their day-to-day living.
Recalling the life and martyrdom of St Sebastian, Fr Santana said the martyrdom of St Sebastian led many to embrace Jesus.
Members of the Parish Pastoral Council animated the liturgy. Parish Choir led the liturgical singing. Fr. Sydney Dias Csc thanked the gathering. Two Masses were celebrated on the Feast Day. A tiatr ‘Parveachem rogot dhovem ani Kavlleachem rogot kallem?’ by Peter-Roshan was staged on the occasion.
Earlier, the Novena in preparation for the feast was held on the pastoral theme of the archdiocese. Fr Ivo Dias OCD, Fr Cipriano Dias OFM Cap., Fr Joseph Correia, Fr Freddy Lobo, Fr Teodozio Fernandes OCD, Fr Alvito Fernandes OCD, Fr Newton Fernandes, Fr Sydney Dias Csc. Fr Vency Fernandes Sfx and Br Malvino Alfonso OCD preached during the Novena.
