Diocesanal Level

February 3rd, 2019; St. Sebastian feast was celebrated in a grand manner at St. Sebastian Prayer Hall at Harishandra Ghat, Hiriyur. On February 1st Fr Franklin D'Souza led flag hoisting ceremony together with Fr Stany Dcunha. During the Holy Eucharist Fr Franklin D'Souza spoke on faith in Jesus and how St. Sebastian witnessed Jesus with courage.

On February 2nd Assistant Parish Priest Fr Stany Dcunha offered the Holy Eucharist and Preached a homily on the life of Martyr St. Sebastian. He enumerated how early Christians suffered for their faith. They hoped in Jesus. Their hope never went in vain.

On 3rd Feast day at 6:30pm began with procession of St. Sebastian's chariot. People carried it in faith and prayed rosary, sang hymns and gave glory to God. Fr Franklin D'Souza led the novena prayers. At 7:30pm Fr Franklin D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and preached on "call to make difference as followers of Jesus Christ". He narrated the martyrdom of Blessed Rani Maria who was martyred on 25th February 1995 at Indore. He said call to follow Christ in her sprouted at the early age. This is due to the prayerful atmosphere in her family. He stressed the need to encourage our children to take up the call of God. He compared life of St. Sebastian and said even Church is strengthened through the valient faith of the saints.

St. Sebastian's faith for Hiriyur faithful is something special. They were saved from sickness and crisis because of the Intercessory prayers of St. Sebastian. The ward is named after St. Sebastian which is 5kms away from main parish.

Fr Franklin D'Souza thanked every one for making this feast a successful one. There was fellowship meal for everyone.