97th death anniversary celebrated at Pilar
OLD GOA
Bishop of Baroda Sebastião Mascarenhas SFX on Wednesday said Venerable Agnelo de Souza serves as an inspiration for people to experience Jesus, as he was deeply filled with Jesus and boldly proclaimed the Gospel.
He was delivering a homily on the theme, ‘Inspired by Ven. Agnelo, let us be dynamic evangelisers of the Word of God’ at the Eucharistic celebration on the occasion of Ven. Agnelo’s 97th death Anniversary, held at the Pillar hillock in Pilar.
Bishop of Daltonganj Theodore Mascarenhas,, Bishop of Port Blair Visuvasam Selvaraj, Fr Nazareth Fernandes SFX (Superior General, Society of Pilar), Fr Joseph Fernandes SFX (Central Delegate Superior, Pilar Society), Fr Stephen D’Souza SFX (Vicar General of the Society of Pilar), Fr Joaquim Rebelo (Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of the Society of Pilar), and 82 priests, including 24 from the Diocese of Daltonganj, served as concelebrants.
“Ven. Agnelo did not construct buildings or hospitals, but instead, he brought the faithful closer to Jesus through his spiritual life,” Bishop Sebastião remarked.
Reflecting on Ven. Agnelo’s spiritually rich life, Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas shared that the people of Rachol, where he was buried, recognised holiness in him, saw Jesus in him, and began visiting his grave, asking for his intercession.
Recalling Pope Francis’ words, “You are not a missionary, but you are the mission,” the Bishop emphasised, “Our life is our mission, and when we declare ourselves Christians, we are, by our very lives, the mission.”
“Ven. Agnelo addressed the challenges in the parishes he served with his exemplary and holy life. Today, we remember and honour his mission of proclaiming the Gospel”, said Bishop.
“On this Pilar Hillock, the presence of Ven. Agnelo remains, and here we experience holiness,” Said Bishop Sebastião.
Other Masses throughout the day were presided over by Fr Joaquim Fernandes SFX, Fr Peter Fernandes SFX, Fr Milton Rodrigues SFX, Fr George Nandiyal, Fr Benjamin Victoria, and Fr Randal D’Souza SFX.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Nazareth Fernandes SFX, Superior General of the Society, mentioned that devotees frequently inquire about the process of beatification. He shared that they are in touch with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Cause of Saints and are actively seeking updates on the process. He encouraged the devotees to pray unceasingly.
Scholastic Aston Carvalho SFX, served as the liturgical commentator, while Fr John Bennet SFX, animated the liturgy. The liturgical choir was led by Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX, while Fr Joseph Fernandes SFX, Central Delegate Superior, expressed gratitude to all those involved.
Fifty faithful from Andaman also participated in the solemn Eucharistic Celebration. The tradition of Chotanagpur, where the host welcomes guests by washing their hands, was observed during the Mass as the celebrants approached the altar.
Thousands of devotees gathered at Pilar Hillock to seek the blessings of Venerable Agnelo.
