Panaji, November 21, 2018: Venerable Agnelo D’Souza is a shining star of the Church of Goa and he preached the Gospel through his holy life and is a model of holiness, Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi said.
He was delivering homily at a Mass to mark the 91st death anniversary of venerable D’Souza outside Pilar church on November 20. The death anniversary of the Anjuna-born priest was celebrated with great fervor and devotion, as thousands flocked to Pilar hillock to seek his blessings.
Fr Tony Fernandes, vice-postulator of the cause of venerable Agnelo de Souza, announced the beatification process has gained momentum and sought unceasing prayers for the same.
Superior general of the society of Pilar, Fr Sebastiao Mascarenhas, hailed Venerable Agnelo as an attractive person for modern times as he had embodied inclusiveness, peace and forgiveness, which are the values of our Indian culture.
During the nine-day novena period that ended on November 19, Masses were celebrated with specific themes and purpose. A night vigil on November 16 prayed for the early canonization of venerable Agnelo.