In a world that moves quickly and often forgets to look back, there are moments when a community chooses to slow down and remember who they are. Such a moment was experienced in the parish of Tilamola where a simple initiative became a profound rediscovery of life itself.
On April 19, the parish organised “Randne Pol,” a traditional Goan cooking experience. Yet, what unfolded was far more than a cultural activity. It became a space where memory, faith, and community met in a deeply meaningful way.
More Than a Cultural Event
What made Randne Pol unique was not the food alone, but the spirit behind it. Parishioners did not gather as spectators, but as participants in a shared heritage. Traditional methods were not demonstrated—they were lived.
Cooking was done the old way: with firewood, handmade tools, and patient effort. In that process, people rediscovered something modern life often takes away—the value of time, togetherness, and attention to the present moment.
A Community That Lives Its Roots
This initiative reflects a deeper movement within the parish. In recent years, the people of Tilamola have been coming together to cultivate paddy fields, reconnecting with the land and with one another.
These efforts are not merely about preserving tradition. They express a way of living where work becomes a shared responsibility and a source of unity.
The participation of Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, in last year’s harvest further strengthened this spirit, highlighting the dignity of labour and the closeness of the Church to the everyday life of her people.
Faith Woven into Daily Life
Experiences like Randne Pol remind us that faith is not confined to moments of prayer alone. It is present in the ordinary—in work, in meals, in relationships.
The early Christian community lived this reality, gathering not only for prayer but also for fellowship and the breaking of bread (cf. Acts 2:42). In a similar way, this parish experience became a living expression of faith shared in daily life.
An Unhurried Way of Living
One of the most striking aspects of the event was its pace. Nothing was rushed. Every task required time, care, and cooperation.
In that unhurried rhythm, something deeper emerged—a sense of peace, attentiveness, and connection. It revealed that when life slows down, relationships deepen, and even ordinary tasks take on greater meaning.
A Witness for Today
In a time when communities can easily become fragmented, such initiatives offer a powerful message. They remind us that unity is built not through grand events alone, but through shared experiences and common purpose.
Randne Pol was not simply about looking back. It was about carrying forward values that sustain both faith and community.
Conclusion
What took place in the Parish of Tilamola was not just the revival of a tradition. It was a rediscovery of a way of life where faith, culture, and community are inseparable.
In returning to their roots, the parishioners of Tilamol offer a quiet but powerful witness: sometimes, to move forward meaningfully, we must first learn to return.
Br Malvino Alfonso OCD
