Fr. Agnelo Jacinto Pinheiro was ordained as the Bishop of Sindhudurg during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Sawantwadi on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the history of the diocese.
The ordination was conferred by Filipe Neri Ferrão, who served as the Principal Consecrator. He was assisted by John Rodrigues and Anthony Alwyn Barreto as Co-Consecrators. The ceremony witnessed the presence of several bishops, clergy members, and faithful from Goa and Sindhudurg.
Appointed as Bishop of Sindhudurg by Pope Leo XIV on February 14, 2026, Bishop Pinheiro now becomes the second Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg. His ordination signifies a new chapter in the pastoral journey of the diocese.
The bishop-elect was ceremoniously welcomed in a procession before the Mass, accompanied by the band of St Theresa’s Convent High School, Raia, reflecting his roots in Goa. The Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Episcopal Ordination were conducted with solemnity and devotion, bringing together church leaders from across India, including Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Bishop Simon Almeida of Pune, Bishop Barthol Barretto of Nashik, and Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes of Goa.
In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the theme “Let your will be done,” emphasising vocation as a gift of divine love and calling for faithful service to the Church. The ceremony also included the reading of the Papal Bull in Latin by Fr Reagan Martins and its Konkani translation by Fr Felix Lobo.
Following the ordination, Bishop Agnelo expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the support of the Church and the faithful. The event concluded with a felicitation programme attended by Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli, who also addressed the gathering.
The Diocese of Sindhudurg, established on July 5, 2005, was previously led by Bishop Alwyn Barreto for nearly two decades. With Bishop Pinheiro’s appointment, the diocese looks forward to continued spiritual growth and pastoral leadership.
Hailing from Raia in Goa, Bishop Agnelo becomes the 64th Bishop of Goan origin ordained for service in the Church. His episcopal motto, “Thy will be done,” reflects his commitment to humility, obedience, and dedicated service.
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