Tilamola Parish Revives Goan Heritage Through 'Randne Pol'

Tilamola, Goa, April 24, 2026: In an inspiring celebration of faith, culture, and community, Tilamola Parish recently brought its faithful together for "Randne Pol," a traditional Goan cooking experience that rekindled cherished customs while strengthening parish bonds across generations.

Held on April 19, the event went far beyond a culinary demonstration. Parishioners actively participated in preparing traditional dishes using age-old methods, including firewood, handmade utensils, and time-honoured cooking techniques. The initiative offered a rare opportunity for the community to reconnect with its cultural roots in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Aldrin D'Costa, Parish Priest of Tilamola, said the programme was designed to revive traditional practices while fostering unity among parishioners. He expressed particular joy at the enthusiastic participation of children and young people, whose involvement ensured that these treasured customs would be passed on to future generations.

"What was most encouraging was the willingness and excitement shown by everyone," Fr. D'Costa said, noting that the event successfully brought together people of all ages in a shared experience of learning and fellowship.

The celebration also reflected a broader effort within the parish to reconnect with its heritage. In recent years, parishioners have actively participated in cultivating paddy fields, strengthening their ties to the land and to one another. These initiatives have become powerful expressions of community life, where labour, tradition, and fellowship converge.

The presence of Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, at last year's harvest further affirmed the Church's closeness to the daily lives of the faithful and underscored the dignity of human labour.

Events such as Randne Pol beautifully illustrate how faith is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Echoing the early Christian communities described in the Acts of the Apostles, parishioners gathered not only in prayer but also in fellowship, work, and the sharing of meals.

Participants especially appreciated the unhurried rhythm of the day. Each task required patience, cooperation, and attentive care—qualities often overshadowed in contemporary life. In that slower pace, many rediscovered the joy of meaningful relationships and the grace found in ordinary moments.

At a time when communities often face fragmentation and isolation, Tilamola Parish offers a compelling witness to the enduring power of shared traditions. Randne Pol was not merely a nostalgic return to the past, but a living reminder that faith, culture, and community flourish when nurtured together.

By returning to its roots, Tilamola Parish has shown that authentic renewal often begins with remembering, celebrating, and living the values that have long sustained Christian communities.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD