New Year Celebration 2026

Pernal
Date: 1st January 2026

At 7:00 p.m. on the last evening of the year, 31st December, Our Lady of Fatima Church gathered to bid farewell to a grace-filled year and welcome the New Year 2026 with hearts overflowing with gratitude and hope.

The solemn spiritual preparation began with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration at 7:00 p.m. on 31st December, led by Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes, who thanked the Almighty for the abundant blessings of peace, happiness, health, and prosperity received during the year 2025.

At exactly 7:30 p.m., the Thanksgiving High Mass, marking the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, commenced with a vibrant entrance hymn led by the dedicated church choir under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes. The beautifully decorated church wore a festive yet reverent look, and the overwhelming participation of the faithful filled every corner of the church, the portico, and the side wings, bearing testimony to the parish’s strong faith and Marian devotion.

In his inspiring and insightful homily, the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Preetam Mendonca, OFM Cap., eloquently unfolded the biblical roots, historical significance, and meaning of the Feast of Mary, Mother of God.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro, Resident Priest Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes, along with guest priests Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes, OFM Cap., and Rev. Fr. Rajesh, SVD, adding grace and solemnity to the occasion.

True to tradition, the YCS of the parish once again took center stage, prayerfully leading the liturgy through the readings, the Prayer of the Faithful, and Keerthan singing—reflecting their vibrant faith and active involvement in parish life.

As the sacred celebration concluded around 8:45 p.m., Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro, along with the other priests, extended warm New Year greetings to the gathered faithful, parishioners, those who were unable to attend, and those working abroad. He expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude as the parish gracefully concluded the Great Jubilee Year 2025. The Parish Priest thanked Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes of St. Mary’s Church, Dubai, for his support during his visit to the UAE, and in return, Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes expressed his gratitude to the Parish Priest and parishioners.

With prayers rising through Mary, the Mother of God, Our Lady of Fatima Church stepped into the New Year 2026 renewed in faith, united in hope, and committed to walking together as a worshipping, witnessing, and serving community.

Wishing all a blessed, peace-filled, and prosperous New Year 2026!

Photographs by : Joswin Aranha, YCS President.