PILAR: The serene hillock of Pilar in Goa, India will once again turn into a center of devotion and reflection as the Society of Pilar and the faithful gather to commemorate the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza on November 20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Venerable Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope,” emphasizes the saintly priest’s enduring message of faith, compassion, and perseverance.
Rt. Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, will preside over the solemn high mass at 9:30 a.m., marking the spiritual climax of the day. An estimated thousands of devotees from across Goa and beyond are expected to attend the Eucharistic celebrations throughout the day, with mass timings scheduled at 5:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. in the morning, and at 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. in the evening, the latter being in English.
The annual novenas in preparation for the feast will begin on November 11 and conclude on November 19. Each day of the novena holds a special intention: peace in the world (Nov. 11), migrants and refugees (Nov. 12), youth and the unemployed (Nov. 13), children (Nov. 14), priests and religious vocations (Nov. 15), families and childless couples (Nov. 16), care for creation (Nov. 17), the sick (Nov. 18), and missions and missionaries (Nov. 19).
Novenas will be accompanied by daily Masses at 5:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 10:30 a.m., with the evening sessions continuing at 4:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. (English). A special Night Vigil of prayer and adoration will be held on November 14 from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., inviting devotees to spend the night in spiritual communion.
Reflecting Goa’s multicultural fabric, services will be celebrated in various languages. The Tamil Mass will be held on November 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the pandal, followed by a Hindi Mass at 12:30 p.m. in the same venue, and a Malayalam Mass at 11:30 a.m. in the Mission Seminary Chapel. A special Mass for the sick is scheduled for November 18 at 10:30 a.m., while the Mass for Spiritual Brothers and Sisters will be celebrated on November 16 at 10:30 a.m. Confessions and personal counseling will be available throughout the novena days. Each Eucharistic celebration will include novena prayers and special blessings for the sick.
For those unable to attend in person, all Masses will be live-streamed on the Society of Pilar India’s YouTube channel and broadcast across select Goan television networks, including CCR TV, Prime TV, Prudent TV, Goa365, RDX TV, Goa9, InGoa, GoaPlus, and GCTV.
Traffic management plans will follow the established one-way system. Vehicles will enter the Pilar hillock via Neura Road and exit through the regular route, with shuttle services and designated parking provided near the Seminary to ensure smooth access for pilgrims.
Born in Anjuna on January 21, 1869, Venerable Agnelo de Souza dedicated his life to preaching God’s Word across Goa as a member of the Society of Pilar. His holy life and tireless ministry continue to inspire generations. His canonization process is presently underway in Rome, as the faithful pray for his early beatification.