Tag: Catholic Faith

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Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Kuwait Elevated to Minor Basilica Status

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Kuwait City, Jan 16: The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi marked a historic and solemn occasion today as it was officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica, becoming a significant spiritual landmark for the Catholic community in the region.


The ceremonial event was attended by Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, along with a large gathering of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Arab and European nations. Christian clergy representing various denominations from across the Gulf region were also present, alongside hundreds of citizens and residents who gathered to witness the momentous occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the elevation as a “blessed historic day.” He emphasised that the honour was not limited to the church building alone, but symbolised the recognition of a decades-long spiritual journey and the enduring mission of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in serving the faithful.

The elevation to a minor basilica underscores the church’s historical, spiritual, and pastoral significance, reaffirming its role as a beacon of faith, unity, and hope for the Christian community in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.

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Third Sunday of Advent: A Celebration of Joyful Waiting

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Written by Nikita Volvoikar

On this Third Sunday of Advent, the Church pauses its penitential tone to rejoice in hope and joyful expectation. Known as Gaudete Sunday, the day marks a turning point in the Advent journey as Christmas draws closer.

The liturgical colour shifts from violet to rose, symbolising joy, encouragement, and renewed hope. This “brightening” of violet reminds the faithful that the long-awaited celebration of Christ’s birth is near, even as the season of waiting continues.

Advent is not merely about waiting—it is about waiting with confidence. Reflecting this spirit, Pope Leo, in his homily today, described Gaudete Sunday as “the Sunday of joy,” reminding the faithful of the bright side of anticipation. He noted that this day calls believers to trust that “something beautiful, something joyful will happen.”

In a world often burdened by anxiety, uncertainty, and unrest, Gaudete Sunday offers a powerful reminder that Christian hope is rooted in joy. It invites families and communities to pause, reflect, and rediscover the promise of God’s love revealed in the coming of Jesus Christ.

As the Advent wreath now shines brighter, the rose candle serves as a gentle reminder that light is overcoming darkness. The faithful are encouraged to embrace this joy—not as fleeting happiness, but as a deep assurance that God is at work, even in times of waiting.

With hearts lifted in hope, the Third Sunday of Advent calls us to rejoice, trust, and prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of Christmas.

Special Occasion

First Sunday of Advent – 30th November 2025: A Season of Hope Began

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Nikita Volvoikar

On 30th November 2025, the Catholic Church began the season of Advent, inviting the faithful into a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent called us to slow down and ready our hearts spiritually, guiding us through its themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

The First Sunday of Advent focused on Hope. The pastoral message of the year, “Hope does not disappoint,” echoed profoundly as we reflected on where we placed our trust. True hope was found in Christ Jesus, and as the first candle was lit on that day, its warm glow symbolised the unshakable hope we carried through Him. No matter the trials or uncertainties we faced, hope in Christ remained firm and reassuring.

The day encouraged us to trust God more deeply, to stay positive despite challenges, and to believe that brighter days were ahead. Advent reminded us that God continued to work even in our waiting and that His promises were always faithful and true. As we entered the Advent season on 30th November 2025, we were called not to lose hope or become discouraged. Instead, we were invited to pray, to believe, and to trust that God was preparing greater blessings for us.

The First Sunday of Advent became a moment of renewal — a time when our hearts were lifted, our faith strengthened, and our hope restored. It marked the beginning of a sacred journey toward Christmas, filled with expectation and the promise of God’s enduring love.

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Commemoration of the 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza at Pilar

Tanisha Cardozo

The 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza will be solemnly celebrated at Pilar, Goa, on 20th November 2025, under the theme “Venerable Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope.” The solemn Mass at 9:30 a.m. will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Pilar hillock to offer prayers and thanksgiving for the saintly priest whose life continues to inspire the faithful.

The novenas in preparation for the feast will be held from 11th to 19th November, with each day dedicated to a special intention — from peace in the world and care for migrants, to prayers for youth, families, the environment, and the sick. The novena Mass timings will be held throughout the day, allowing pilgrims to participate in prayer and reflection. On 14th November, a special Night Vigil will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., offering a moment of deep spiritual communion and adoration. Masses will be celebrated in different languages to allow wider participation, including Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, along with a special Mass for the sick and one for the Spiritual Brothers and Sisters.

Each Mass will be followed by a novena prayer and prayers over the sick, with priests available for confessions and counselling. To reach devotees beyond Goa, all celebrations will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel Society of Pilar India and telecasted across major Goan television networks including CCR TV, Prime TV, Prudent TV, Goa365, RDX TV, Goa9 TV, and others.

As in past years, traffic management arrangements will be in place for the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Vehicles will enter Pilar Hillock via the Neura road and exit through the regular route, with parking arranged behind the Pilar Seminary. Shuttle services will be available for pilgrims commuting by bus.

Venerable Agnelo de Souza, born on 21 January 1869 in Anjuna, Goa, was a devoted priest of the Society of Pilar known for his deep humility, spiritual fervor, and missionary zeal. He spent his life preaching missions and retreats across Goa, touching countless lives with his holiness and compassion. He passed away at dawn on 20 November 1927, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. His cause for canonization is currently under process in Rome, and this annual commemoration continues to draw thousands of faithful praying for his beatification and canonization.

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Our Lady of Home Gets ‘Spiritually Holy Welcomed’ in MLA Joshua De Souza House in Mapusa

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In a heartfelt expression of devotion and tradition, Mapusa Constituency MLA Joshua De Souza  welcomed Our Lady of Home into his residence, marking a spiritually significant moment for his family and the broader Christian community in Goa. The visit is part of a long-standing tradition celebrated throughout the state, where the statue of the Blessed Mother moves from one home to another during the months leading to the New Year.

“I welcome Mother Mary into my home today, a moment that strengthens our faith and keeps alive a treasured tradition. It is truly a blessing to have our Blessed Mother visit every household, filling our lives with peace, grace, and protection. May her presence continue to bless our families and keep us steadfast in faith,” said MLA De Souza.

Known as the Queen of Home, Our Lady of Home is a symbol of unity, hope, and spiritual protection in Christian households. Referred to lovingly as the Mother of strengthening homes, she holds a special place in the hearts of Goan Catholics. Her presence is believed to bring calm, faith, and a renewed spiritual connection within families.

Each September, this sacred tradition begins as the image of Our Lady of Home makes its way across Christian households, a journey that continues until the arrival of the New Year. This act of devotion is not only a spiritual practice but also a means of bringing communities together, reviving bonds and reinforcing shared values of faith and family.

The visit of Our Lady of Home to MLA Joshua De Souza’s house signifies the role of public figures in upholding cultural and religious practices that define Goan identity. It also serves as a reminder of the strength that communities draw from shared traditions, especially in times when unity and peace are most needed.

As the Blessed Mother continues her journey through homes in Goa, her presence carries a universal message of hope, compassion, and unwavering faith.