Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro Ordained Bishop of Sindhudurg in Solemn Episcopal Ceremony

Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, April 17, 2026: In a deeply reverent Eucharistic celebration marked by prayer, tradition, and ecclesial unity, Fr. Agnelo Jacinto Pinheiro was ordained the new Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg on Wednesday at Navsarni, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Sawantwadi.

The episcopal ordination was conferred by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who served as the Principal Consecrator. He was joined by Archbishop John Rodrigues and Bishop Anthony Alwyn Barreto as Co-Consecrators, in the presence of several bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful gathered from across Goa and Sindhudurg.

Appointed by Pope Leo XIV on February 14, 2026, Bishop Pinheiro becomes the second shepherd of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, marking a significant milestone in the young diocese’s pastoral journey since its establishment in 2005.

During his homily, themed “Let your will be done,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on Christ’s obedience to the Father as the model for all ministry. He described vocation as a gift rooted in divine love and emphasized the episcopal role as one of shepherding—guiding, nurturing, and fostering unity among the faithful. He also called on the wider Church community to accompany the new bishop through prayerful support and active collaboration in mission.

The rite of ordination included the proclamation of the Papal Bull formally appointing Bishop Pinheiro, followed by the solemn liturgical rites of episcopal consecration. The celebration was marked by moments of profound prayer and joyful participation from the assembled faithful.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bishop Pinheiro expressed heartfelt gratitude to Pope Leo XIV, the consecrating bishops, clergy, and the faithful, acknowledging their support and prayers as he begins his episcopal ministry.

A priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and native of Raia, Goa, Bishop Pinheiro is the 64th Goan-origin bishop ordained for service in the universal Church. He has chosen the episcopal motto “Thy will be done,” reflecting his commitment to faithful obedience and dedicated pastoral service.

The Bishop-elect was ceremoniously welcomed in a procession before the mass, accompanied by the school band of St. Theresa's Convent High School, Raia.

With his ordination, the Diocese of Sindhudurg enters a new chapter in its pastoral mission under renewed leadership and vision.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD