Tag: bible

#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

Ecumenical Fellowship at Pilar Seminary Celebrates Unity in Christ

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Elvis Fernandes

In a heartwarming expression of faith and togetherness, the All India Mission Seminary of the Society of Pilar hosted an Ecumenical Fellowship on January 25, 2026, marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Centred on the theme, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4), the gathering brought together members and leaders from diverse Christian traditions to celebrate their shared faith in Christ.

The evening highlighted the importance of unity across denominations, transcending differences in tradition, language and culture. Mathew Samuel, IAS (retd), from the St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Santa Cruz, spoke on the relevance of Christian unity in India, stressing that standing together in faith remains essential regardless of denominational identity and reflects the nation’s foundational principle of unity in diversity.

The programme began with a warm welcome from the rector of the All India Mission Seminary, who extended greetings of peace to all present. Representatives from St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, the Methodist Church, Brethren Assembly, Rupantaran Fellowship Church, Tangkhul Baptist Church and North-East Baptist Church participated, reinforcing the spirit of fellowship and mutual respect.

Members of the Rupantaran Fellowship Church set a devotional tone through a prayerful dance performance, followed by a welcome address from Rev. Dr. Norman Almeida, Rector of the seminary, who emphasised the growing need for fellowship and unity within the Christian community. The evening continued with gospel songs by the Tangkhul and North-East Baptist Church choirs, creating an atmosphere of shared worship and joy.

A reflection on the Word of God was offered by Dr. James Samuel of the Brethren Assembly, who spoke about unity rooted in faith rather than uniformity, reminding the gathering that Christians, though diverse in tradition, share one Lord, one faith and one hope. The programme also included hymns and prayers led by choirs from different churches, culminating in the Prayers of the Faithful offered by the St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church.

The fellowship concluded with a prayer led by Rev. Pradeep Kumar of the Panjim Methodist Church, seeking God’s blessings for continued unity and mission among all believers. A final hymn by members of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church marked the close of the prayerful gathering, which ended with a fellowship meal, allowing participants to continue building relationships and celebrating their shared faith in Christ.

#faith

Where Faith Meets Brotherhood: The Story of Tonca’s Restored Holy Cross

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In the quiet, verdant landscapes of Goa—where the Mandovi River winds gently and coconut palms sway in harmony with the breeze—lies the village of Tonca in Marcela, also known as Mashel. Nestled close to the serene island of St. Estevam, Tonca is a place where time moves slowly and faith quietly binds people closer than blood.

At the crossroads where paths from Tonca and St. Estevam converge once stood a simple stone Holy Cross. Weathered by monsoons and sun, it had witnessed generations pass by. More than a religious symbol, it was a silent companion to village life—children played in its shade, travellers paused for prayer, and families gathered during the Litany of the Cross.

Among those who grew up under its gaze were a group of boys who proudly called themselves the “Super Star Boys.” Bound by friendship, football, and mischief, they spent their childhood days chasing kites, stealing mangoes and cashews, and dreaming big dreams at that very crossroads.

As years passed, life led them far from Tonca—to Dubai, Kuwait, London, and beyond—in search of opportunities and stability. They built lives, families, and futures abroad, yet the pull of home never truly faded.

One December, many of them returned—not just for a visit, but for good. Drawn by nostalgia, they walked together to the old cross that had shaped their childhood. Time had taken its toll. The paint had peeled, the base had cracked, and the flowers had lost their colour. Though it still stood tall, it needed care.

That evening, over conversations, laughter, feni, and sorpotel, a decision was made. Without debate or hesitation, the Super Star Boys resolved to restore the Holy Cross—not as an obligation, but as an act of gratitude.

The village responded wholeheartedly. Contributions flowed in, and even Hindu families from nearby wards came forward, recognising the cross as a shared symbol of Tonca’s identity. “It belongs to all of us,” they said.

Work began soon after. Men who were once boys laboured side by side—some now grandfathers—laughing, singing old mandos, and reliving childhood memories as they worked. There were no leaders, only brothers united by purpose.

Weeks later, the restored cross stood renewed—clean, vibrant, adorned with fresh flowers and glowing lights. When the village gathered once more for the Litany of the Cross, voices rang louder, lanterns shone brighter, and the cross seemed to radiate a deeper sense of peace.

Children ran around it once again, just as the Super Star Boys once had.

What emerged from this small act was something far greater than restoration. It was a reminder that faith, friendship, and unity can endure time, distance, and change. In Tonca, a simple roadside cross became a testament to shared roots, collective memory, and the quiet strength of community—proving that sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning.

#faith

Why Gen Z Is Finding Its Way Back to Faith?

Tanisha Cardozo

For decades, each new generation appeared to move further away from organised religion. Millennials and Gen X came of age during a period marked by increasing secularisation, skepticism toward institutions, and a preference for individual belief over communal practice. Gen Z, however, is beginning to disrupt that long-term trend in unexpected ways.

Multiple surveys across Western countries now indicate that Gen Z shows higher levels of church attendance and religious identification than Millennials and Gen X did at the same age. Many young people are not only attending weekly services but are also actively participating in faith-based communities, particularly within Christianity. This shift is less about inherited tradition and more about conscious choice.

Researchers point to rising anxiety, economic uncertainty, social fragmentation, and digital overload as major factors influencing this return. Gen Z has grown up in an era defined by constant connectivity, global crises, and unstable futures. In this environment, religion offers something increasingly rare: structure, predictability, and moral grounding. Faith communities provide spaces where identity is not curated for an audience, but lived in shared presence.

Churches that have adapted to these realities are seeing the strongest engagement. Those offering mentorship, mental health conversations, peer networks, and opportunities for service are resonating deeply with Gen Z. For many young attendees, the appeal lies not only in belief, but in the sense of belonging and care that comes from being part of an in-person community.

Unlike earlier generations that often rejected organised religion as rigid or irrelevant, Gen Z tends to approach faith pragmatically. Attendance is less about obligation and more about purpose. Religion is being used as a framework for meaning-making, discipline, and resilience in a world that often feels unstable and overwhelming.

Digital exhaustion has also played a role in this shift. After years of living online, many Gen Z individuals are actively seeking spaces that are slower, quieter, and more human. In-person worship, shared rituals, and moments of reflection offer relief from constant performance and comparison. In that sense, religious spaces have become one of the few remaining environments where presence matters more than visibility.

This renewed engagement does not necessarily signal a return to rigid or exclusionary belief systems. Many Gen Z participants favour inclusive, socially conscious faith communities aligned with values such as compassion, service, and justice. Their relationship with religion remains questioning and selective, but deeply intentional.

Gen Z’s return to faith is not a revival of the past, but a reimagining of belief for the present. It reflects a generation searching for stability, meaning, and connection—proof that in times of uncertainty, the pull toward community and purpose remains as strong as ever.

Events in Goa

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.