Hundreds Gather at Pilar as Novena to Venerable Agnelo Begins

PILAR, GOA, 11 November 2026: Hundreds of devotees are making their way up the Pilar hillock as the Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier (Society of Pilar) begins its nine-day novena in honour of Venerable Agnelo de Souza. The annual spiritual preparation leads up to his 99th death anniversary on 20 November, drawing faithful from across Goa and beyond.

For many, the climb is more than a physical journey; it is an expression of faith, gratitude and devotion to the revered missionary, whose life of prayer and sacrifice continues to inspire generations.

Missionaries of Love in the Modern World

This year's novena is being celebrated under the theme, "Ven Agnelo Inspires Us to Be Missionaries of Love in the Modern World". It invites the faithful to follow his example by becoming witnesses of Christian love, compassion and selfless service in contemporary society.

The first day's theme, "The Joy of Self-giving: Ven Agnelo, a Joyful Missionary", highlights the missionary's commitment to serving God and others with joy.

Venerable Agnelo, popularly known as Fr Agnelo, died on 20 November 1927 at Rachol Seminary. Nearly a century later, his tomb at Pilar continues to attract devotees seeking his intercession for personal, family and spiritual needs. Many also visit to give thanks for favours received.

Nine Days of Prayer and Spiritual Renewal

Each day of the novena is dedicated to particular groups and intentions, including clergy, religious, missionaries, peacemakers, social activists, young people, children, workers, migrants, the sick, the elderly and civil authorities. Special prayers will also be offered for families, couples longing for a child, journalists and devotees of Venerable Agnelo.

Daily Eucharistic celebrations will take place at different times, followed by a special Prayer over the Sick. Priests will also be available for confession and counselling.

The programme includes an overnight vigil on 14 November, from 9.30 pm to 5 am, and a gathering for spiritual brothers and sisters on 15 November at 10.30 am. A special Mass for the sick will be celebrated on 16 November at 10.30 am. Masses in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi will also be offered on 15 November.

Centenary Year to Be Inaugurated

The celebrations will culminate on 20 November with Venerable Agnelo Day. A solemn Eucharistic celebration at 9.30 am will be presided over by Most Rev Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman.

The occasion will also mark the inauguration of the centenary year of Venerable Agnelo, running from 20 November 2026 to 20 November 2027.

As the cause for his canonisation progresses, this year's observance invites devotees not merely to remember Venerable Agnelo but to embrace his spirituality through lives of prayer, sacrifice, love and service.

Courtesy : Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Photo Courtesy: Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX