Tag: religion

#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.

Films

SC Refuses Ban on Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, Says Title Not Defamatory

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development highlighting the intersection of cinema and constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a ban on the film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, dismissing a petition that challenged its title. The plea, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued that the film’s name portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light and sought either a ban or a change in the title.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan examined the arguments and the material presented before them. The court ultimately found the concerns to be unfounded, stating that the title of the film did not contain any language or implication that could be seen as derogatory towards the Yadav community.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the court could not understand how the title alone could reflect negatively on an entire community, especially when it lacked any explicit or implied negative descriptors. The bench emphasised that none of the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution—which governs limitations on freedom of speech and expression—were applicable in this case.

The court also drew a distinction between this matter and a previous controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat. In that instance, the word “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt, was deemed to carry a clearly negative connotation that could reflect poorly on a community, prompting judicial intervention. However, in the present case, the bench noted that no such negative association existed in the title Yadav Ji Ki Love Story.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that their objection was not to inter-community relationships depicted in the film, but rather to how certain aspects, including the portrayal of a woman, were handled. Despite these arguments, the court maintained that the film is a work of fiction and does not warrant judicial interference based on speculative concerns.

With the petition dismissed, the path is now clear for the film’s release, scheduled for February 27. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting creative expression while carefully weighing claims of community harm, once again underlining the importance of context and intent in such disputes.

#faith

From Raia to Sindhudurg: Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro Named Bishop by Pope Leo XIV

Tanisha Cardozo

From the serene village of Raia in South Goa to the episcopal seat of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, the journey of Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro has now entered a historic new chapter. Pope Leo XIV has appointed the priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman as the Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, with the announcement made on 14 February 2026. The news has been received with joy and gratitude in Raia and across the Goan Catholic community.

Born on 6 July 1972 in Raia, Fr. Agnelo’s path to priesthood was marked early by academic excellence and a deep sense of vocation. After completing his SSC in 1988, he entered the minor seminary and continued his higher secondary education in Mapusa, securing fourth rank in the Goa State XII Board Examination in 1990. He began his priestly formation at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol in 1991 and completed a degree in Psychology with distinction at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

Ordained on 28 October 2000, he first served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Alex Church, Calangute. He later underwent pastoral training at the Pastoral Institute St. Pius X in Old Goa. His intellectual pursuit led him to obtain a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, in 2004, after which he was appointed Professor of Philosophy at Rachol Seminary. His academic journey extended to Rome, where he pursued doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University between 2013 and 2016.

Upon returning to Goa, he resumed teaching at Rachol Seminary and also served as Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph’s Church, Dramapur, from June 2022 to May 2023. Since 2018, he has been entrusted with the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, playing a key role in promoting harmony and mutual respect among different faith communities.

He now takes charge of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, established in 2005 and comprising 43 parishes with nearly 36,000 Catholics. The diocese spans Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts and parts of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, with strong historical and cultural ties to Goa. The episcopal seat had been vacant since October 2024, and this appointment brings renewed leadership and direction to the diocese.

As Raia celebrates one of its sons being called to shepherd a diocese, the faithful of Sindhudurg prepare to welcome a bishop shaped by scholarship, pastoral dedication and a commitment to dialogue. From Raia to Sindhudurg, the journey continues — guided by faith, service and a call to lead.

Human Interest

Friday the 13th in 2026: Why the Date Is Feared and How Many Fall This Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Today is Friday the 13th — a date many consider the creepiest on the calendar. For some, it’s just another day. For others, it carries superstition, ominous symbolism and cultural fear. The dread associated with it even has a name: Paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th. More broadly, fear of the number 13 itself is called Triskaidekaphobia.

So where did this unease begin?

One of the earliest references often cited is the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian legal text from around 1754 BCE. It reportedly does not list a 13th law. Historians argue this was likely a clerical or translation omission rather than a deliberate act, yet the idea of a “missing” 13th law has fueled speculation that the number carried negative connotations even in ancient times. Do you think history shapes superstition — or do we sometimes read meaning into accidents?

Norse mythology adds another layer. In stories recorded in the Prose Edda, twelve gods were gathered at a banquet when Loki arrived uninvited as the 13th guest. Loki tricked the blind god Hodr into killing Baldr, the beloved god of light. Baldr’s death plunged the world into darkness and mourning, reinforcing the belief that the 13th guest brings misfortune. Would you think twice about a dinner table of thirteen?

Christian tradition also plays a role. During the Last Supper, Jesus dined with his twelve disciples before his crucifixion. Tradition holds that thirteen people were present, including Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. While scripture does not focus on the number itself, the association of betrayal and tragedy with a group of thirteen further deepened its ominous image in Western culture.

Another historical episode often linked to the superstition is the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, ordered by Philip IV of France. Although historians debate how strongly this event influenced the myth, the dramatic coincidence of the date has been woven into popular lore.

The superstition gained modern momentum in 1907 when stock promoter and writer Thomas W. Lawson published his novel Friday, the Thirteenth, a story about financial panic and market manipulation. Over time, Hollywood cemented the fear through the Friday the 13th franchise, turning the date into a symbol of horror and suspense worldwide.

Psychologists suggest the fear persists because of confirmation bias — we tend to remember unfortunate events that happen on Friday the 13th while ignoring the countless ordinary ones. If something minor goes wrong today, does it feel bigger simply because of the date?

In 2026, there are three Friday the 13ths — February 13, March 13 and November 13 — the maximum possible in a single year. That makes 2026 one of those rare years packed with what some might call “freaky Fridays.”

Despite its ominous reputation, Friday the 13th remains a fascinating mix of myth, religion, history and pop culture. So tell me — are you cautious today, or is it just another Friday for you?

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.