PANAJI
Thousands of faithful from Goa and beyond gathered at the historic Pilar hillock on Thursday to mark the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza of the Society of Pilar. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, with Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias, Society of Pilar Superior General Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Vicar General Fr Stevan D’Souza, Goa Provincial Superior Fr Joaquim Rebelo, Vice Postulation In-charge Fr Hilary Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior Fr Joseph Fernandes and other priests concelebrating.
Preaching on the theme ‘Ven. Agnelo Inspires Us to Be Pilgrims of Hope’, Bishop Fernandes urged the faithful to radiate the saintly priest’s holiness. He said the Church rejoices because God blessed Goa with “a priest of extraordinary holiness from its own soil”, adding that Ven. Agnelo’s life “still speaks ” quietly, powerfully and beautifully”. He stressed that the celebration was not only a remembrance but an invitation to follow his example of steadfast hope. He highlighted how Ven. Agnelo lived close to the poor, the sick and the suffering, believing that patience and endurance offered to God would bear fruit in holiness. Calling him a “pilgrim of hope”, he said Ven. Agnelo walked with those who suffered and lifted those who had fallen.
Fr John Bennett animated the liturgy, with Fr Hilary Fernandes as commentator and Fr Elvis Fernandes leading the choir. At the end of Mass, Fr Nazareth Fernandes thanked the congregation and urged prayers for Ven. Agnelo’s canonisation, noting that miracles submitted to the Vatican are under examination. Prizes for a poetry competition on Ven. Agnelo’s life were also distributed. Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira and St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar attended.
Several Masses and Novena services, including a special Mass for the sick and a night vigil, preceded the feast.
