Category: #faith

#faith

Our Lady of Fatima Feast at Don Bosco, Panjim Welcomes Pilgrim Virgin Statue and Relics for Public Veneration

allycaralgoa

The Our Lady of Fatima Feast at Don Bosco, Panjim, holds deep spiritual significance this year as the faithful welcome two sacred gifts from Portugal — the Pilgrim Virgin statue, donated by the Bishop of Fatima, and the relics of Saints Francesco and Jacinta Marto, the young visionaries of Fatima.

The arrival of the statue and relics marks a moment of grace for the local Catholic community, offering the faithful a chance for reflection, prayer, and renewed devotion. The relics and statue are displayed for public veneration, drawing parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors alike.

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 — a message centered on faith, repentance, and peace.

This year’s celebration at Don Bosco not only honors this enduring legacy but also strengthens the spiritual connection between Goa and Fatima.

The event, attended by clergy, parishioners, and the faithful from across Goa, is a testament to the enduring message of hope, compassion, and unity that continues to inspire generations.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

#faith

A Monument of Faith Rising in Poland’s Konotopa

allycaralgoa

In a remarkable fusion of faith and architecture, construction has begun in the village of Konotopa on what will soon become Europe’s largest statue of Mother Mary, standing an astounding 55 meters high — surpassing even Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer.

The initiative, funded by renowned Polish entrepreneur Roman Karkosik, represents more than just a feat of engineering. It is a spiritual landmark — a testament to Poland’s enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary, who holds a deeply revered place in the nation’s Catholic faith.

Once completed, this monumental statue will depict Mother Mary with open arms, symbolizing peace, compassion, and divine protection. The project aims to inspire hope and serve as a place of reflection for visitors from around the world.

Local church leaders and residents have expressed pride and gratitude for this project, calling it “a gift of faith for future generations.”

“This isn’t merely a monument,” said a local priest. “It’s a reminder that faith can rise even higher than stone.”

With construction already underway, the statue is expected to become a spiritual beacon, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and art enthusiasts alike to Konotopa — reinforcing Poland’s reputation as one of Europe’s most devoted and faith-filled nations.

When complete, the monument will stand as a global emblem of love, resilience, and unity — a towering testament to the power of belief.

💙🙏 A symbol not just for Poland — but for every heart that believes.

#faith

UAE Officially Declares February 19 as Start Date for Ramadan 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, following the successful sighting of the crescent moon. The confirmation came from the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, which met and issued the declaration in alignment with Islamic tradition and astronomical calculations. The committee is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and includes a panel of scholars, jurists, and astronomers who validate lunar sightings using both observation and scientific methodology.

Earlier predictions by the Emirates Astronomy Society had suggested that Ramadan might begin on February 17, as the new crescent moon became visible at 4:01 PM UAE time that day. However, since the moon set just one minute after sunset, it was not visible, and the start date was officially deferred until February 19 after proper confirmation.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world through fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community gatherings. In 2025, Ramadan began on the evening of February 28 and ended on March 30. This year, with Ramadan 2026 beginning earlier in February, daylight hours will gradually increase through the month.

Fasting hours in Abu Dhabi are expected to start at approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes, extending to nearly 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of Ramadan due to the seasonal lengthening of days. In terms of weather, the UAE’s capital is predicted to experience temperatures between 16°C and 28°C at the start of the month. As the month progresses, temperatures may rise to 32°C, with minimums around 19°C. Rainfall is also forecasted, averaging about 15 millimeters during the month.

These observations and forecasts are part of a wider initiative by UAE authorities to inform citizens and residents accurately, maintaining both religious tradition and scientific credibility. Ramadan remains a time of personal reflection and collective spirituality, and the UAE continues to facilitate its observance with precise planning and public awareness.

#faith

Rosary Procession for Peace: Navelim Joins ‘Rosary Across India’ Movement

Tanisha Cardozo

On Sunday, 12th October 2025 at 5 PM, the streets of Margao will echo with prayer as the faithful gather to take part in the ‘Rosary Across India’ movement. Organized locally by Help & Help Charitable Trust under the auspices of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, this spiritual event will be marked by a walking Rosary procession beginning at Navelim Church.

The procession will weave its way through the streets of Margao, surrounding the Municipal Garden, and return to the church for a solemn Benediction. This symbolic journey is not just a walk but a powerful public witness of faith, unity, and supplication for peace.

The Rosary has long been regarded as one of the most powerful spiritual weapons against the turmoil of the world. At many of Her approved apparitions, Our Lady urged humanity to pray the Rosary fervently for peace. With this inspiration, people across the country will be praying the Rosary simultaneously on the same day and at the same time — a nationwide act of spiritual solidarity.

Everyone — regardless of age, background, or religious affiliation — is warmly invited to join this sacred procession. Whether walking alongside others or joining silently in prayer, each step taken will be a step toward peace. Come be part of a movement of grace, faith, and intercession that transcends boundaries and unites hearts.

#faith

Spiritual Leaders Unite for Interfaith Dialogue in Ponda

allycaralgoa

On September 12, 2025, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Ponda unit) hosted an interfaith program titled “Spiritual Leaders: Guiding Lights to Humanity”, drawing participants from across Goa for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.

The event began with a Quranic recitation by Mohammad Shah, President of SIO Ponda, and was convened by Simran Shaikh, President of GIO Ponda. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Akbar Khan, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Ponda, emphasized the need for spiritual initiatives to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.

Key Highlights of the Program:

  • 🕊️ Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Church, Borim, spoke on the Christian concept of Agape—selfless love—as a transformative force to overcome hatred and division.
  • 🕉️ Arjunpriya Das, ISKCON member from Ponda, stressed that spiritual leaders must embody good character, respect all religions, and promote dialogue as a pathway to understanding.
  • ☪️ Maulana Usman Qasmi, Imam of ICG Islamic Centre, Mapusa, underlined the centrality of service to humanity in Islam, citing prophetic teachings about compassion for family, neighbours, and the needy.

The program concluded with Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Zone, who highlighted divine guidance through the Prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the key to building lasting peace.

Around 160 participants from diverse faith backgrounds attended the event, which ended with a prayer by Ms. Ruksana.

By bringing together different faith perspectives, the program succeeded in underscoring a universal truth: that spirituality, compassion, and service are guiding lights to humanity.