98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo De Souza to be Celebrated at Pilar, Goa

Goa, November 9, 2025: The Society of Pilar and the faithful will commemorate the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo De Souza on 20 November, under the theme “Venerable Agnelo inspires us to be Pilgrims of Hope.”

The solemn Eucharistic celebration will be presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay. Other Masses will also be held throughout the day for pilgrims and devotees.

The novena days, from 11–19 November 2025, will feature Masses each day dedicated to special intentions such as peace in the world, migrants and refugees, youth and the unemployed, children, priests, Religious and vocations, families and childless couples, care for the environment, the sick, missions and missionaries, and devotees of Venerable Agnelo.

A night vigil will also be held during the period of the novena. On 16 November, special Masses will be celebrated in Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, along with a Mass for the Spiritual Brothers and Sisters. A special Mass for the sick will be celebrated on 18 November.

During the novena days, priests will be available for the Sacrament of Confession and counselling, offering spiritual guidance to the faithful. Every Mass will conclude with novena prayers and prayers over the sick, invoking the intercession of Venerable Agnelo.

Venerable Fr. Agnelo de Souza was born on 21 January 1869 in Anjuna, Goa, to devout parents who nurtured his faith. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of prayer and service, joining the Rachol Seminary in 1883, where he distinguished himself in virtue and study. In 1897, he entered the Missionary Society of St. Francis Xavier, Pilar, and was ordained a priest the following year.

He served in Shiroda, Sanvordem, and Kumta, ministering to the faithful with deep humility and compassion. In 1918, he was appointed Spiritual Director at Rachol Seminary, where students affectionately referred to him as “our saint.” Venerable Fr. Agnelo passed away on 20 November 1927, while preaching, leaving behind a lasting legacy of holiness and missionary zeal.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso, OCD

Photos by Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX

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