Thousands Flock to Pilar for Novena of Venerable Agnelo De Souza

Goa, 16 November 2025: Thousands of devotees have gathered at Pilar Hillock since 11 November, with numbers swelling significantly on Sunday, 16 November, as the faithful participated in the Novena of Venerable Agnelo De Souza. Pilgrims from across Goa and beyond have been arriving to pray for his canonisation and seek his intercession.

The Society of Pilar, together with the local Catholic community, is preparing to mark the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo on 20 November, observed annually as Venerable Agnelo’s Day. Throughout the Novena, daily Masses were offered with specific themes and intentions, drawing steady streams of worshippers.

A night vigil led by Fr. Joseph Fernandes and his team featured preaching by Fr. Onasis D’Cruz, Assistant Director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa. The vigil centred on prayers for the elevation of Venerable Agnelo to sainthood. On Sunday, the Novena Mass was presided over by Fr. Jerry Vaz SFX, Principal of Fr. Agnelo Higher Secondary School, Pilar.

Preaching on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Committed in Love and Fidelity,” Fr. Jerry encouraged families to root their lives in prayer, Scripture, love, and fidelity. He urged the faithful to trust in God’s plan and surrender their lives to divine guidance. Reflecting on Venerable Agnelo’s pastoral life, he highlighted the priest’s dedication in understanding the needs of his people, visiting homes, and fostering forgiveness and unity. He called on families to emulate his example by nurturing compassion, understanding, and harmony within their homes.

Special prayers were offered for families and childless couples during the Mass, and an additional Novena Mass was celebrated for the intention of the Association of Spiritual Brothers and Sisters, Pilar. Alongside Konkani and English liturgies, Masses were also conducted in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam to accommodate the diverse congregation.

The devotion of the faithful was evident throughout the Novena, with many pilgrims sharing personal testimonies of spiritual comfort and answered prayers.

Ethan Louie Lopes, a student from Paroda, described his experience as peaceful and faith-strengthening. “We believe that Venerable Agnelo does help us. I always come here, and I’m even more willing to return,” he said.

Asha Pereira from Sirlim expressed her fervent hope for Venerable Agnelo’s canonisation. “I come to pray that he be raised to the altar. I believe that one day he will be a saint,” she said.

Maria Fernandes from Agassaim shared how she has received “many helps” through his intercession, recalling a moment when she lost her visa while travelling. “After fervent prayer, I travelled safely and received a new visa. I am very grateful to him,” she said.

For Eddie Fernandes from Sancoale, Pilar Hillock remains “a sacred hill” where countless devotees seek solace. “So much goodness comes to us through his intercession. We pray for his sainthood,” he added.

As the Novena continues, the growing crowds reflect the deep and enduring devotion to Venerable Agnelo De Souza, whose life of humility, compassion, and faith continues to inspire generations of believers.

Thousands Flock to Pilar for Novena of Venerable Agnelo De Souza

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