Goa: Devotees flocked to St. John de Baptist Chapel Gaumvaddi Anjuna (birthplace of Ven Agnelo D’Souza) on Monday to devoutly celebrate the 151st Birth Anniversary of their saintly son of the soil. The solemn Eucharist was presided by Rt. Rev. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga. The theme of the celebration was “Ven Agnelo Experienced Christ and proclaimed Him; Go and Do Likewise”
In his homily, the Bishop beautifully called on the gathering to emulate the divinity reflected in the life of Ven. Agnelo. Christian life, he said, can be divided in three stages: Devotee, Disciple, and Apostle. He urged the people to be authentic disciples and Apostles of Jesus. Many times, we get busy with our devotions and neglect the aspects of discipleship and apostleship.
“Fr. Agnelo experienced Jesus, he had true devotion to Sacred heart, the Eucharist and Mother Mary; He became a true disciple and also went out and proclaimed the Word becoming an Apostlem,” he said. We need to experience Jesus in the Holy Word every day. He quoted the Indian teaching of ‘Shravana, Manana, Nididhyasana’ meaning listening to God’s Word, then Meditating, and thereby integrating it in our lives.
In the end, Fr. Tony Fernandes, Vice Postulator, shared about the process of Canonisation of Ven Agnelo and also urged the faithful to be fervent in prayer. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes Vicar General- Society of Pilar, expressed words of gratitude. Fr. Patrick Luis, the Parish Priest also thanked everyone.
Many people from Anjuna, Pilar and even Rachol with their Parish Priest Fr. Eremito Rebello were present for the celebration. They visited the house of Ven Agnelo and kissed the Holy Relics.
Photo (L-R): Fr. Eremito Rebello, Fr. Jesuin Almeida, Fr. TonyFernandes (Vice Postulator), Rt. Rev. Francis Serrao (Bishop of Shimoga), Fr. Nazareth Fernandes (Vicar General), Fr. Patrick Luis (Parish Priest), Fr. Romualdo Gonsalves