Tag: Archdiocese of Goa and Daman

#faith

From Raia to Sindhudurg: Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro Named Bishop by Pope Leo XIV

Tanisha Cardozo

From the serene village of Raia in South Goa to the episcopal seat of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, the journey of Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro has now entered a historic new chapter. Pope Leo XIV has appointed the priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman as the Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, with the announcement made on 14 February 2026. The news has been received with joy and gratitude in Raia and across the Goan Catholic community.

Born on 6 July 1972 in Raia, Fr. Agnelo’s path to priesthood was marked early by academic excellence and a deep sense of vocation. After completing his SSC in 1988, he entered the minor seminary and continued his higher secondary education in Mapusa, securing fourth rank in the Goa State XII Board Examination in 1990. He began his priestly formation at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol in 1991 and completed a degree in Psychology with distinction at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

Ordained on 28 October 2000, he first served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Alex Church, Calangute. He later underwent pastoral training at the Pastoral Institute St. Pius X in Old Goa. His intellectual pursuit led him to obtain a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, in 2004, after which he was appointed Professor of Philosophy at Rachol Seminary. His academic journey extended to Rome, where he pursued doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University between 2013 and 2016.

Upon returning to Goa, he resumed teaching at Rachol Seminary and also served as Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph’s Church, Dramapur, from June 2022 to May 2023. Since 2018, he has been entrusted with the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, playing a key role in promoting harmony and mutual respect among different faith communities.

He now takes charge of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, established in 2005 and comprising 43 parishes with nearly 36,000 Catholics. The diocese spans Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts and parts of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, with strong historical and cultural ties to Goa. The episcopal seat had been vacant since October 2024, and this appointment brings renewed leadership and direction to the diocese.

As Raia celebrates one of its sons being called to shepherd a diocese, the faithful of Sindhudurg prepare to welcome a bishop shaped by scholarship, pastoral dedication and a commitment to dialogue. From Raia to Sindhudurg, the journey continues — guided by faith, service and a call to lead.

#faith

Cardinal Ferrão Unveils New Konkani (Roman Script) Missal at Old Goa

allycaralgoa

Old Goa, December 3, 2025 — A landmark moment for the Catholic community in Goa unfolded at the Basilica of Bom Jesus as Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão formally released the much-awaited New Missal in Konkani (Romi Misa-Gronth) during the solemn feast Mass of St. Francis Xavier. The unveiling marks one of the most significant liturgical developments in recent decades for the Church in Goa.

In his address, Cardinal Ferrão expressed deep appreciation for the Commission for the Liturgy in Konkani (CLK–Goa), acknowledging the years of research, translation, consultation, and pastoral collaboration that have gone into producing the new liturgical text in the Roman script.

A Collaborative Effort Across Dioceses

During the ceremony, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes launched Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll – Soho-Somarombhpeanchea Upeoga Pasot, the Order of Mass for Concelebrants. The wide-scale effort to develop the Missal involved the dioceses of Mangalore, Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, Karwar, Udupi, and Belgaum.

The first regional meeting took place on March 26, 2010, at Bishop’s House, Mangalore, chaired by Bishop Aloysius D’Souza. Representatives from Goa included Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Fr. Tomas Lobo, and the late Fr. Cristovao Caldeira.

To ensure accuracy and unity, the Commission reviewed texts using a four-column structure: Latin, English, the current Konkani text, and the proposed Konkani translation. Two groups were formed to accelerate the work, each responsible for specific sections of the Mass. Meetings were held every three months, lasting four to five days at a stretch.

Rigorous Review and Musical Unification

Each draft of the Missal was reviewed by experts, including over 20 priests from Goa proficient in Roman-script Konkani and Latin. Their insights led to further refinements, ensuring that the final text was pastorally sound and linguistically precise.

A Music Committee was also constituted to standardise tunes across dioceses. The team included Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Fr. Ronald Serrao, Fr. Tomas Lobo, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Fr. Lino De Sa, Fr. Bernado Cota, Fr. Matthew Rebello, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, Fr. Romeo Monteiro, and Fr. Seby Vaz.

Implementation from Ash Wednesday

The New Konkani Missal will officially come into liturgical use from Ash Wednesday. Preparatory sessions for families, catechists, and parish communities will begin during Advent, supported by a new booklet on the Order of the Mass published by the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy.

Two additional booklets—The Order of the Mass for the Faithful and The Order of the Children’s Mass—were released by Mathew De Souza and Sr. Alexia Braz FMCK, respectively.

Fr. Afonso Mendonça expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this years-long mission, noting that the new Missal represents a unified voice of the Konkani-speaking Church.

The release marks a historic step for the faithful of Goa, offering a beautifully revised, deeply studied, and pastorally enriched liturgical text that will guide worship for generations to come.

#faith

Eight New Priests Ordained for Archdiocese of Goa and Daman

allycaralgoa

In a joyous celebration at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, eight deacons were ordained as priests for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on April 30, 2024. The ordination ceremony, attended by over 100 priests and lay faithful, marked a significant milestone in the lives of these dedicated individuals.

The Newly Ordained Priests
The eight deacons who received their priestly ordination are:

  1. Fr. Slater Alemao from Chinchinim
  2. Fr. Valfern Barbosa from Raia
  3. Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco from Navelim
  4. Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza from Salvador do Mundo
  5. Fr. Benny Fernandes from Siroda
  6. Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes from Dona Paula (Caranzalem)
  7. Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso from Nagoa, Bardez
  8. Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz from Vasco da Gama


Each of the newly ordained priests has been assigned to a specific parish, where they will serve as Assistant to the Parish Priest. Their assignments include:

  • Fr. Slater Alemao – St. Joseph Church, Sao Jose de Areal
  • Fr. Valfern Barbosa – St. Joseph Church, Usgao
  • Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco – St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim
  • Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza – Rosary Church, Fatorda
  • Fr. Benny Fernandes – St. Anne’s Church, Parra
  • Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes – Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa
  • Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso – Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca
  • Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz – Our Lady of Socorro Church, Carmona


During the ordination ceremony, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes delivered a heartfelt homily, emphasizing the role of a good shepherd. He encouraged the newly ordained priests to be signs of hope, giving hope to the needy, the dejected, and those living on the peripheries. Bishop Simiao also urged the priests to treasure their priesthood, be men of prayer, and build unity among the people.


Bishop Simiao congratulated the newly ordained priests in the name of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao and conveyed his best wishes and blessings to them. The ordination ceremony concluded with a sense of joy and celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these eight dedicated individuals.


The ordination of eight new priests for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is a significant event that strengthens the Church’s presence in the region. As these priests embark on their new roles, they will undoubtedly bring hope, love, and service to their communities. We wish them all the best in their ministry and pray for their continued growth and dedication to their vocation.

#faith

Mass in Suffrage of Pope Francis to be Held in Goa

allycaralgoa

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will hold a Mass in suffrage of the late Pope Francis on Thursday, April 24, at the Cathedral Church in Old Goa. The service, presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, will bring together priests, religious, and lay faithful to offer prayers for the beloved Pontiff.

Details of the Mass

  • Date: Thursday, April 24
  • Location: Cathedral Church, Old Goa
  • Presider: His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao

A Mark of Respect
As a sign of respect to the late Pope Francis, the offices at the Bishop’s House will remain closed on Saturday, April 26, the day of the funeral. This gesture reflects the deep admiration and reverence for the Pontiff’s legacy and contributions to the Catholic Church.

Call to Prayer
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman invites all members of the faithful to join in this special Mass, offering prayers for the soul of Pope Francis. This gathering will serve as an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to the beloved Pontiff’s life and ministry.

Books & Literature

Devachea Bhurgeanchim Gitam, Volume 15 Released at Archbishop’s Palace

allycaralgoa

In a significant event, Auxillary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, along with members of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music and other dignitaries, released “Devacheam Bhurgeanchim Gitam, Volume 15” at the Archbishop’s Palace, Altinho. This latest volume is especially dedicated to Auxillary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes.

A Collection of Liturgical Hymns
“Devachea Bhurgeanchim Gitam” Volumes comprise the official, approved versions of liturgical hymns used in the liturgical services of the Church in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. These volumes aim to promote sacred music and provide a standardized collection of hymns for use in Church services.

Dignitaries Present
The release ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including:

  • Fr. Romeo Monteiro – Chancellor of Diocese & Director of Western Classical Music at Kala Academy, Panjim
  • Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira – Secretary to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão
  • Fr. Noel da Costa – Administrator of Diocese
  • Fr. Mathew Rebello – Music Professor at Rachol Seminary
  • Fr. Rolland Lin Fernandes – Parish Priest at Arambol
  • Fr. Mario De Souza
  • Fr. Seby Vaz
  • Fr. Simon Mathew D’Cunha – President of Goa Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music & Chaplain at St. Joaquim Chapel, Borda

Availability of the Book
The “Devachea Bhurgeanchim Gitam, Volume 15” will be available for purchase at:

  • Furtados (Panjim & Margao)
  • St Paul’s (Mapusa)
  • Pedros (Panjim & Margao)

Conclusion
The release of “Devachea Bhurgeanchim Gitam, Volume 15” marks a significant milestone in promoting sacred music and standardizing liturgical hymns in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. This latest volume is a testament to the dedication and efforts of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music and will undoubtedly enrich the spiritual experiences of the faithful.