Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Calls Faithful to Remain Rooted in Christ at Mount Carmel Feast

Goa, July 16, 2026: Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro of the Diocese of Sindhudurg urged the faithful to remain firmly rooted in Jesus Christ by following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated at the Carmelite Monastery in Margao on July 16.

Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Agnelo reflected on the feast theme, "Blessed Virgin Mary: A Model to Abide in Jesus," and invited the congregation to deepen their discipleship through Mary's faith, humility and unwavering obedience to God's will.

"The Blessed Virgin Mary calls the faithful to abide in her Son, Jesus, and to remain faithful to Him in every circumstance of life," the bishop said in his homily.

Recalling Christ's words from the Cross, Bishop Agnelo said Jesus entrusted His Mother to the Church and to every believer, making Mary a constant source of maternal care, guidance and intercession. "God has given us the gift of Mother Mary. From the Cross, Jesus entrusted His Mother to us," he said.

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Reflecting on the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the bishop described it as a visible sign of Mary's maternal protection and a reminder of the Christian vocation to live faithfully according to the Gospel. "Mother Mary teaches us to remain faithful to her Son," he said.

Encouraging the faithful to place their trust in God, Bishop Agnelo reminded them that nothing is impossible for the Lord, who remains faithful to His promises and continually guides and protects His people.

Drawing inspiration from Mary's Magnificat, her "Yes" at the Annunciation and her loving service during the Visitation, the bishop called on Christians to cultivate gratitude, humility and simplicity in their daily lives.

"As Mother Mary remained faithful to Jesus throughout her life, we too are called to abide in Him and express our faith through loving service, especially towards those who are poor, suffering and in need," he said.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, Fr. Silvestre D'Souza, OCD, Fr. Richard Menezes, OCD, Fr. Richard Pinheiro and several other priests.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Carmelite community felicitated Bishop Agnelo on his first visit to the monastery following his episcopal ordination. Members of the Secular Carmelites also renewed their promises during the liturgy.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso