the goan I network
PANAJI
The 91st death anniversary of Fr Agnelo D’Souza was celebrated with great fervour and devotion on Tuesday.
Thousands flocked to Pilar to seek his blessings. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto. In his homily he said that Fr Agnelo was a shining star of the church of Goa. He preached the gospel through his holy life and was a model of holiness.
Speaking on the occasion Fr Tony Fernandes, SFX, the Vice Postulator of the Cause of Ven Agnelo de Souza thanked the Archbishop for celebrating the Eucharist and for his inspirational homily.
He further mentioned that the beatification process is gaining momentum and that we need to pray unceasingly.
Fr Sebastiao Mascarenhas, SFX, Superior General of the Society of Pilar in his speech said that Venerable Agnelo embodied inclusiveness, peace, forgiveness which are the values of Indian culture.
At the end of the Eucharist Fr Nazareth, SFX, the Central Delegate Superior of Pilar, thanked all those involved, especially government officials, MLAs and ministers, who rendered their services and cooperation and made the celebration a meaningful one.
Prior to this day, novenas were held from November 11 to 19 with specific themes.
The night vigil, which was held on November 16 and conducted by Pilar retreat team and Pota retreat team, enabled people praise God and pray for the early canonization of Venerable Agnelo.
On November 17, a special mass for the sick was celebrated. They were prayed over and were anointed with the oil of the sick. Every Eucharist was followed by a Novena prayer and prayer over the sick. Favours received through the intercession of Venerable Agnelo were announced. The devotees prayed near the tomb and were allowed to kiss the sacred relic of the cassock of Fr Agnelo.
