Category: #faith

#faith

Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Visits Milagris Church Ahead of May 2026 Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant moment for the Catholic community in Sawantwadi unfolded as Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sindhudurg, visited the historic Milagris Church to review its newly reconstructed premises ahead of its official inauguration scheduled for May 9, 2026.

The visit marked an important step in the journey of the church, which holds deep historical and spiritual significance. Originally built in 1652, Milagris Church has stood as a symbol of faith for centuries. Over the past few years, the structure underwent extensive reconstruction at the same site, preserving its legacy while giving it a renewed architectural form. With the work now completed, the church is ready to reopen its doors to the faithful.

During his visit, Bishop Pinheiro interacted with the local parish priest and members of the Christian community, extending his greetings and acknowledging their efforts and devotion. He also expressed appreciation for the newly constructed church, recognising the collective commitment that made the restoration possible.

The occasion was attended by several prominent members of the clergy, including Simião Fernandes, along with Father Millet D’Souza, Father Felix Lobo, Father Richard Saldanha, Father Alwyn Gonsalves, Father Milton Molteno, and Father Amrit Gonsalves. Members of the church and the wider Catholic community were also present, making the visit a moment of unity and anticipation.

The upcoming inauguration is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together the faithful to celebrate not just a building, but a living heritage that has endured through centuries. The reconstruction of Milagris Church reflects a careful balance between preserving tradition and embracing renewal, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.

As preparations move forward for the May 9 inauguration, the visit by Bishop Pinheiro has further strengthened the sense of excitement and spiritual significance surrounding the occasion, marking a new chapter in the long and cherished history of Milagris Church in Sawantwadi.

#faith

Silence Over Screens: Pope Leo XIV Calls for Prayer and Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications, updates, and endless digital noise, Pope Leo XIV has offered a simple yet profound invitation: switch off and listen. Speaking during his Angelus address, the pope encouraged Catholics to turn off televisions, radios, and cellphones during Lent, creating space for silence, prayer, and deeper reflection.

His message was not merely about disconnecting from technology but about reconnecting with what truly matters. He urged the faithful to meditate on the word of God, approach the sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. Beyond personal spirituality, he emphasized the importance of listening to one another—in families, workplaces, and communities—highlighting a deeper human need often overshadowed by digital distractions.

Describing Lent as a “luminous path,” Pope Leo XIV spoke of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as transformative practices that help renew one’s relationship with God. He portrayed this journey as a process of healing and renewal, where individuals can cleanse the wounds of sin and move closer to a life rooted in love—the foundation of true happiness.

At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges of this spiritual path. Lent, he said, is demanding, and many may feel tempted to seek easier forms of satisfaction through wealth, fame, or power. However, he cautioned that such pursuits ultimately leave individuals feeling empty and restless, offering only temporary comfort instead of lasting fulfillment.

Drawing from the teachings of Pope Paul VI, he reminded believers that penance is not a loss but a gain—one that enriches, purifies, and strengthens the human spirit. It is through this discipline that individuals can align themselves with a higher purpose centered on love and surrender.

Extending his message beyond personal reflection, the pope also called for compassion toward those on the margins of society. He urged people to dedicate time to the elderly, the poor, and the sick, suggesting that the act of giving—whether time, attention, or resources—can bring meaningful change to both the giver and the receiver.

However, the address took a deeply global turn as Pope Leo XIV spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking nearly four years since the conflict began. His words reflected both urgency and sorrow as he described the immense human suffering caused by the war—lives lost, families torn apart, and communities destroyed.

Calling peace an “urgent necessity,” he appealed for an immediate ceasefire, urging that weapons fall silent and bombings cease. He emphasized the need for dialogue, advocating for responsible decisions that pave the way toward lasting peace. His message was clear: war is not just a regional tragedy but a wound inflicted on the entire human family.

In closing, he entrusted the Lenten journey of the faithful to the care of the Virgin Mary, offering a message of hope and guidance during times of trial. His words served as both a spiritual reminder and a global appeal—inviting individuals not only to look inward but also to act outward with compassion, awareness, and a shared commitment to peace.

In an age defined by constant connection, his call to disconnect may be one of the most relevant messages of our time.

#faith

Kedarnath Dham Portals to Open on April 22 at 8 AM

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open for devotees on April 22 at 8 am, marking the commencement of this year’s Char Dham Yatra.


The announcement was made by officials of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Sunday. The revered Himalayan shrine, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, remains closed during the winter months due to extreme weather conditions and reopens each year ahead of the pilgrimage season.

With the opening date now confirmed, preparations are expected to gather pace for the annual yatra, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad. Authorities typically undertake extensive arrangements for crowd management, safety measures, accommodation, and transportation ahead of the pilgrimage.

Kedarnath Dham, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the four sacred shrines that form the Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand. The annual reopening of its portals marks a significant spiritual moment for devotees and signals the beginning of the pilgrimage season in the Himalayan region.

#faith

Pope Leo XIV Calls for ‘Fasting from Harmful Words’ in 2026 Lenten Message

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

In a powerful appeal through his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound, stressing that true repentance must transform not only individual hearts but also relationships.


Ahead of Ash Wednesday on February 18, the Holy Father described Lent as a sacred time to place “the mystery of God back at the center of our lives.” He encouraged the faithful to renew their faith amid the anxieties and distractions of daily living by turning attentively to God’s word and to one another.

Fasting from Harmful Speech
Highlighting the spiritual discipline of fasting, the Pope described it as an “ancient ascetic practice” essential to conversion. However, he emphasized that fasting must be lived in humility and in communion with the Lord. Beyond abstaining from food, he urged Catholics to fast from language that harms, divides, or diminishes others, allowing Scripture to awaken compassion for those who suffer.

A Communal Journey of Renewal
The Pope also underscored the communal dimension of Lent, noting that Scripture often presents fasting and listening as shared acts of renewal for the people of God. He invited the faithful to journey together through prayer, charity, and attentive listening , strengthening bonds within families, communities, and the wider Church.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV asked believers to seek grace and strength throughout the penitential season, so that Lent may become a genuine opportunity to hear the Lord’s voice and recommit to following Christ more faithfully.

#faith

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Extends Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Peace and Harmony

Tanisha Cardozo

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Goa has extended warm greetings to the people of the state as the blessed month of Ramadan begins.

In his message, Goa President Asif Hussain said that Ramadan is not only a month of spiritual renewal for Muslims but also a reminder of shared human values. He noted that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an inspire individuals to build a society rooted in peace, mutual respect and care for the needy. He expressed prayers that the holy month brings blessings, harmony and prosperity to every home in Goa.

Ramadan marks the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity. It is observed through fasting, prayer, reflection and acts of charity. Fasting instils self-discipline, patience and empathy for the less fortunate, while the Qur’an reminds believers of their responsibility to uphold justice, compassion and moral values in society.

JIH Goa expressed hope that the sacred month will further strengthen communal harmony in the state and encourage all sections of society to work together for the overall progress and wellbeing of Goa.