Agnelo Gustavo Adolfo de Souza, the sixth child of Minguel Arcanjo Mariano de Souza and Maria Sinforosa Perpetua Magalhães, was born on January 21, 1869, in Anjuna. From a young age, Agnelo showed a strong interest in catechism and had an exceptional memory. Children often gathered around him to hear his recitations of Sunday sermons and stories.
At eleven, Agnelo lost both parents. His mother entrusted her children to Mother Mary before passing. Raised by his brother, Agnelo focused on a holy life, teaching catechism. Selfless and unconcerned with appearances, he prioritised others over himself. Inspired by his elder brother, a priest, Agnelo pursued priesthood. He studied philosophy and theology at the Patriarchal Seminary in Rachol, then joined the Diocesan Missionary Society of St. Francis Xavier, Pilar, on July 17, 1897. He was ordained on September 24, 1898, by Dom Antonio Sebastiao Valente.
Fr. Agnelo lived a humble, hidden life, preparing himself for a unique spiritual mission. On September 8, 1908, he made a total commitment to God as a full-fledged missionary. He served as a pastor in Shiroda and Sanvordem, and Kumta (Karwar), excelling as a priest, preacher, confessor, and administrator.
Generous and selfless, Fr. Agnelo often helped the needy, treating everyone equally regardless of their status. He lent money freely without keeping accounts but ensured to repay any borrowed funds. Even with authority, he always consulted his superiors before making decisions, demonstrating humility and respect.
Recognising Fr. Agnelo's holiness, Patriarch Dom Matheus de Oliveira Xavier appointed him Spiritual Director of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol on May 20, 1918. Professors and students admired him as a model priest—humble, prayerful, self-denying, and saintly, affectionately calling him Amcho Sant. As a Spiritual Director, he showed great care for both staff and students.
Fr. Agnelo was deeply spiritual, spending hours in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Despite his frail health, he practiced strict penance and ate sparingly, prioritising spiritual discipline over physical well-being. His self-sacrifice and lack of concern for his own health contributed to his physical weakness.
On November 20, 1927, during his sermon on the eve of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Agnelo collapsed at the pulpit but insisted on staying there until the Benediction was over. His serene final moments led many to declare – a saint has passed away. Even before his funeral, seminarians gathered his possessions as relics.
People soon began visiting his grave, taking its soil mixed with water for healing. Fr. Agnelo was believed to perform miracles, and many sought his blessings. After the death of Fr Agnelo, his cousin preserved his lobe at her place. One day, the cousin's son became gravely ill with a high fever, and doctors had little hope for his survival. Remembering Fr. Agnelo's robe, she placed it beside the child, and miraculously, he recovered.
An Anjuna woman had a three-year-old son suffering from a severe infectious disease, causing fluid to ooze from his body. Desperate for a cure, she visited Fr. Agnelo's chapel in Anjuna and shared her plight with the priest. The priest prayed over the child, placing a cross on him. Upon returning home, the mother, urged by a neighbor, uncovered her son and discovered he was completely healed.
The Beatification process for Fr. Agnelo began on April 2, 1947, with Friar Agostino della Virgine appointed as the first Postulator in Rome. The diocesan process to review Fr. Agnelo's writings formally started on April 4, 1956, under the Tribunal appointed by Archbishop Dr. Jose Viera Alvernaz.
After over three years of sessions and testimonies from 28 witnesses, the process was completed and sent to Rome on October 10, 1959. Following rigorous examination, it received approval from the Sacred Congregation of Rites on July 9, 1968. The third diocesan process for Non-Public Veneration began on November 11, 1959, with the Ecclesiastical Tribunal taking the oath. The records were sent to Rome on June 5, 1960, and approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites on May 27, 1969.
With all three diocesan processes approved, the apostolic process commenced. On October 8, 1970, the Apostolic Tribunal, led by Rev. Dr. Raul Gonsalves, began its work. The process was completed and submitted to Rome in May 1974. On November 10, 1986, the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints declared Fr. Agnelo de Souza Venerable, acknowledging his heroic virtues.
The final step for his Beatification is the recognition of a miracle. One extraordinary favour has been submitted for scrutiny and sent to Rome, awaiting approval. Let us pray for Fr. Agnelo's canonisation.
