Tag: Duler

Sports

Goa Football Team Seeks Divine Blessings Ahead of Santosh Trophy in Karnataka

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As the Goa Football Team gears up to compete in the prestigious Santosh Trophy in Karnataka, the players and coaching staff took time to seek divine blessings at St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, warmly received the team and offered prayers invoking God’s guidance, strength, and protection for their journey ahead. He encouraged the players to uphold the principles of dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, emphasizing that true success combines skill with character.

The blessing ceremony was attended by Mr. Caintano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, alongside the coaching staff and the players. The spiritual support provided a moment of reflection and unity, fostering motivation and confidence as the team prepares to face strong competition at the national level.

Supporters and the Goa Football Association extended their best wishes, expressing faith in the team’s abilities to compete with courage, determination, and pride. The team now carries not just their training and strategy, but also the blessings of their community, as they step onto the national stage aiming for excellence.

#faith

Lenten Visit to Ajara Parish & Mission Stations: A Heartwarming Experience of Faith and Community

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As part of their Lenten mission, the Social Apostolate Cell and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) of St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, organized a two-day faith-sharing visit to Ajara Parish – Rosary Church and six of its mission stations. This enriching experience aimed to strengthen bonds between the two parishes through spiritual interaction and fellowship.


The team visited six mission stations: Halewadi, Salgao, Khanapur, Dongarmalla, Gavase, and Shelop, connecting with over 75 families who shared their experiences of celebrating Mass, other Sacraments, Christmas, Parish feasts, the Lenten season, and Easter with deep faith and community spirit.


Ajara Parish, guided by Parish Priest Fr. Melwin Pais and supported by 2 Assistant Parish Priests and the Sisters of Holy Family Convent, is a well-established faith center. The parish team celebrates Mass every Sunday in 2 of the Chapels in the Parish and ensures that each of the 14 Mission stations receives one Mass in a home at least once or twice every month.


Despite limited transportation options, the community remains committed to attending key liturgical celebrations such as Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. The visit highlighted the resilience and devotion of these communities, showing that while they may lack material comforts, they are rich in faith, joy, and active participation.


This visit served as a profound reminder that true spiritual wealth lies in a heart full of faith. The Social Apostolate Cell and SSVP of St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, are grateful for this enriching experience and look forward to continuing their spiritual journey with the people of Ajara Parish and its mission stations.

Social

St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Shines Light on Mental Health with Awareness Programme

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The Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Mapusa, Goa, recently took a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness in their community. On 9th February 2025, the parish organized a comprehensive awareness programme on mental health, facilitated by renowned psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar.

The event, which drew a crowd of nearly 200 people, was a resounding success. Participants greatly appreciated the programme, expressing their gratitude for the insightful information and expert guidance provided by Ms. Gadekar and her team. The audience was also eager to learn more, posing a multitude of questions related to mental health.

Ms. Gadekar and her team addressed these queries with sensitivity and professionalism, dispelling many common myths surrounding counselling and mental health. The programme’s impact was evident in the enthusiastic response from the attendees, who requested more such initiatives to be conducted in the future.

The parish recognizes that mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing and is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and empathy. By organizing this awareness programme, the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, has demonstrated its dedication to promoting mental wellbeing and responding to the deeply felt needs of its community.

The success of this initiative serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting mental health awareness. As the parish continues to organize more programmes and activities focused on mental wellbeing, it is clear that the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, is at the forefront of creating a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Key Highlights:

  • The awareness programme on mental health was organized by the Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.
  • The event was facilitated by psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar, and attended by nearly 200 people.
  • The programme aimed to educate the community about mental health, dispel common myths, and provide resources for support.
  • The parish plans to organize more programmes and activities to promote mental wellbeing and respond to the needs of its community.