India: Thousands gather at Pilar Hillock to honor Venerable Agnelo on His 97th death anniversary

On November 20, thousands of devotees converged at Pilar Hillock in Goa to commemorate the 97th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza, a revered member of the Society of Pilar whose life continues to inspire the faithful.

The day was marked by a solemn Eucharistic celebration, novena prayers, and reflections on Ven. Agnelo’s enduring spiritual legacy.

Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas SFX, Bishop of Baroda, delivered the homily during the main Eucharistic celebration, centered on the theme, “Inspired by Ven. Agnelo, let us be dynamic evangelizers of the Word of God.” 

He described Ven. Agnelo as a man deeply filled with Jesus, whose holy life was a testament to his unwavering relationship with God and his bold proclamation of the Gospel.

“Ven. Agnelo did not build structures or hospitals, but he brought people closer to Jesus through his spiritual life,” Bishop Sebastião said.

Reflecting on his legacy, the bishop recalled how the people of Rachol, where Ven. Agnelo was buried, immediately recognized his sanctity and sought his intercession.

“On this Pilar Hillock, the presence of Ven. Agnelo remains, and here we experience holiness,” he added.

The celebration was attended by prominent church leaders, including Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX (Diocese of Daltonganj), Bishop Visuvasam Selvaraj (Diocese of Port Blair), and Fr. Nazareth Fernandes SFX (Superior General of the Society of Pilar). Concelebrants included Fr. Joseph Fernandes SFX (Central Delegate Superior), Fr. Stephen D’Souza SFX (Vicar General), Fr. Joaquim Rebelo (Provincial Superior of Goa), and 82 priests, including 24 from the Diocese of Daltonganj.

Throughout the day, additional Masses were presided over by various priests, including Fr. Joaquim Fernandes SFX, Fr. Peter Fernandes SFX, and Fr. Milton Rodrigues SFX.

Fr. Nazareth Fernandes SFX addressed the ongoing canonization process for Ven. Agnelo, which is currently underway in Rome.

Devotees frequently inquire about the status of his beatification, he shared. “We are in constant touch with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Cause of Saints. God will, in His own time, do what is necessary,” Fr. Nazareth said, encouraging the faithful to persist in prayer.

The novena preceding the anniversary, held from November 11 to 19, was a time of focused prayer and reflection.

Masses were celebrated in Konkani and English, with specific intentions for the Mission, the Church, families, youth, civic leaders, and the environment.

Special services included a Mass for the Sick, during which the faithful received anointing with the Oil of the Sick, and a Night Vigil led by Fr. Pedro Costa, Parish Priest of Consua Church.

Novena Masses were also offered in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, ensuring inclusivity for devotees across linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Among the attendees were 50 pilgrims from the Andaman Islands, who participated in the solemn Eucharistic celebration.

The Chotanagpur tradition, where celebrants’ hands are washed as a sign of welcome, was observed as priests approached the altar. The event underscored Ven. Agnelo’s universal appeal, attracting faithful from across regions and languages.

Born on January 21, 1869, in Anjuna, Goa, Ven. Agnelo dedicated his life to the Church as a member of the Society of Pilar. His spiritual legacy continues to inspire devotion among the faithful, with many attributing intercessions to his holiness.

As the Church in Goa and beyond eagerly awaits his beatification, Pilar Hillock remains a sacred space where devotees gather to seek his blessings and draw closer to God.

For the thousands who participated in the 97th-anniversary celebrations, the life of Ven. Agnelo serves as a reminder of the power of simplicity, devotion, and unwavering faith in Jesus.

His message of love and hope continues to resonate, encouraging all to become dynamic evangelizers of the Word of God.