Team Goemkarponn
Pilar: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Pilar hillock on Thursday to observe the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza, the priest of the Society of Pilar whose life of humility and service continues to draw pilgrims from across Goa and beyond.
The main Eucharistic celebration was led by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay. Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, Fr Stevan D’Souza, Vicar General, Fr Joaquim Rebelo, Provincial Superior of Goa Province, Fr Hilary Fernandes of the Vice Postulation office, and Fr Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior, concelebrated the Mass along with several priests.
In his homily on the theme “Venerable Agnelo Inspires Us to Be Pilgrims of Hope,” Bishop Dominic Savio said the Church rejoices because Goa has been blessed with a priest of remarkable holiness. He said Venerable Agnelo’s life still speaks through its quiet strength and simplicity. He urged the faithful to take inspiration from his example and live with the same sense of hope that shaped his life.
The Bishop recalled that Venerable Agnelo lived close to the poor and the suffering and believed that patience and endurance offered to God could lead to holiness. He described him as a pilgrim of hope who walked with those in pain and lifted those who had fallen. He encouraged the congregation to carry that hope forward in their own lives.
The liturgy was animated by Fr John Bennett, with commentary by Fr Hilary Fernandes. Music was led by Fr Elvis Fernandes. At the end of the celebration, Fr Nazareth Fernandes thanked the clergy and the faithful and asked them to continue praying for the canonisation process. He said miracles submitted to the Vatican are being reviewed by medical experts. Fr Joseph Anthony Fernandes also thanked everyone involved in organising the feast.
Prizes were distributed for a poetry competition on the life of Venerable Agnelo. Among those present were Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and a large gathering of devotees.
Masses continued throughout the day led by priests of the Society of Pilar and the diocese. In the run-up to the feast, novena services featured special Masses for various intentions in different languages. A Mass for the sick drew many seeking spiritual healing, while a night vigil focused on prayers for the canonisation of Venerable Agnelo, whose life remains a source of inspiration for many.
