Tag: Christianity

#faith

Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Visits Milagris Church Ahead of May 2026 Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant moment for the Catholic community in Sawantwadi unfolded as Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sindhudurg, visited the historic Milagris Church to review its newly reconstructed premises ahead of its official inauguration scheduled for May 9, 2026.

The visit marked an important step in the journey of the church, which holds deep historical and spiritual significance. Originally built in 1652, Milagris Church has stood as a symbol of faith for centuries. Over the past few years, the structure underwent extensive reconstruction at the same site, preserving its legacy while giving it a renewed architectural form. With the work now completed, the church is ready to reopen its doors to the faithful.

During his visit, Bishop Pinheiro interacted with the local parish priest and members of the Christian community, extending his greetings and acknowledging their efforts and devotion. He also expressed appreciation for the newly constructed church, recognising the collective commitment that made the restoration possible.

The occasion was attended by several prominent members of the clergy, including Simião Fernandes, along with Father Millet D’Souza, Father Felix Lobo, Father Richard Saldanha, Father Alwyn Gonsalves, Father Milton Molteno, and Father Amrit Gonsalves. Members of the church and the wider Catholic community were also present, making the visit a moment of unity and anticipation.

The upcoming inauguration is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together the faithful to celebrate not just a building, but a living heritage that has endured through centuries. The reconstruction of Milagris Church reflects a careful balance between preserving tradition and embracing renewal, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.

As preparations move forward for the May 9 inauguration, the visit by Bishop Pinheiro has further strengthened the sense of excitement and spiritual significance surrounding the occasion, marking a new chapter in the long and cherished history of Milagris Church in Sawantwadi.

#faith

Silence Over Screens: Pope Leo XIV Calls for Prayer and Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications, updates, and endless digital noise, Pope Leo XIV has offered a simple yet profound invitation: switch off and listen. Speaking during his Angelus address, the pope encouraged Catholics to turn off televisions, radios, and cellphones during Lent, creating space for silence, prayer, and deeper reflection.

His message was not merely about disconnecting from technology but about reconnecting with what truly matters. He urged the faithful to meditate on the word of God, approach the sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. Beyond personal spirituality, he emphasized the importance of listening to one another—in families, workplaces, and communities—highlighting a deeper human need often overshadowed by digital distractions.

Describing Lent as a “luminous path,” Pope Leo XIV spoke of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as transformative practices that help renew one’s relationship with God. He portrayed this journey as a process of healing and renewal, where individuals can cleanse the wounds of sin and move closer to a life rooted in love—the foundation of true happiness.

At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges of this spiritual path. Lent, he said, is demanding, and many may feel tempted to seek easier forms of satisfaction through wealth, fame, or power. However, he cautioned that such pursuits ultimately leave individuals feeling empty and restless, offering only temporary comfort instead of lasting fulfillment.

Drawing from the teachings of Pope Paul VI, he reminded believers that penance is not a loss but a gain—one that enriches, purifies, and strengthens the human spirit. It is through this discipline that individuals can align themselves with a higher purpose centered on love and surrender.

Extending his message beyond personal reflection, the pope also called for compassion toward those on the margins of society. He urged people to dedicate time to the elderly, the poor, and the sick, suggesting that the act of giving—whether time, attention, or resources—can bring meaningful change to both the giver and the receiver.

However, the address took a deeply global turn as Pope Leo XIV spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking nearly four years since the conflict began. His words reflected both urgency and sorrow as he described the immense human suffering caused by the war—lives lost, families torn apart, and communities destroyed.

Calling peace an “urgent necessity,” he appealed for an immediate ceasefire, urging that weapons fall silent and bombings cease. He emphasized the need for dialogue, advocating for responsible decisions that pave the way toward lasting peace. His message was clear: war is not just a regional tragedy but a wound inflicted on the entire human family.

In closing, he entrusted the Lenten journey of the faithful to the care of the Virgin Mary, offering a message of hope and guidance during times of trial. His words served as both a spiritual reminder and a global appeal—inviting individuals not only to look inward but also to act outward with compassion, awareness, and a shared commitment to peace.

In an age defined by constant connection, his call to disconnect may be one of the most relevant messages of our time.

Special Occasion

Ash Wednesday 2026: A Quiet Beginning to a Sacred Journey

Tanisha Cardozo

On February 18, 2026, the Christian world pauses for a quiet but deeply meaningful observance — Ash Wednesday. It is not a celebration filled with bright decorations or festive gatherings. Instead, it is a solemn beginning, a gentle turning inward, and the first step into the sacred season of Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, the forty-day period of prayer, fasting, and reflection that prepares believers for Easter. Across churches — from grand cathedrals to small parish chapels — worshippers gather to receive ashes placed in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. As the ashes are applied, words are often spoken that echo through centuries: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words are not meant to instill fear, but humility. They remind us of our humanity, our fragility, and our need for grace.

The ashes themselves carry symbolism. Traditionally prepared from the burned palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, they represent both repentance and continuity. The celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem eventually leads to His passion, death, and resurrection — and so the cycle of faith continues. What once symbolized joy becomes a sign of reflection.

Lent lasts forty days, mirroring the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. During this time, many Christians choose to fast, abstain from meat on certain days, give up specific comforts, or take on new spiritual disciplines such as daily prayer, Scripture reading, or acts of charity. But Lent is not merely about giving something up. It is about making space — space for growth, healing, forgiveness, and a deeper relationship with God.

In today’s fast-paced world, Ash Wednesday offers something rare: stillness. It invites believers to slow down and examine their lives. What needs to change? What habits no longer serve the soul? Where is renewal needed? The cross of ashes may fade from the forehead within hours, but its meaning lingers far longer.

For many, this day is deeply personal. Some carry private burdens they hope to release during Lent. Others seek clarity, strength, or simply a renewed sense of purpose. Families attend Mass together. Individuals sit quietly in pews, heads bowed. The atmosphere is reverent, contemplative, and sincere.

Ash Wednesday does not promise instant transformation. Instead, it opens a door. It marks the beginning of a journey — one that leads through sacrifice and self-examination toward the joy of Easter morning. It reminds believers that faith is not only about celebration, but also about reflection. Not only about victory, but also about surrender.

As Ash Wednesday 2026 arrives, it gently calls us to begin again. To clear distractions. To look inward. To acknowledge both our limitations and our hope. In the simplicity of ashes lies a profound truth: renewal often starts with humility. And from that humility, something beautiful can grow.

#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

Ecumenical Fellowship at Pilar Seminary Celebrates Unity in Christ

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Elvis Fernandes

In a heartwarming expression of faith and togetherness, the All India Mission Seminary of the Society of Pilar hosted an Ecumenical Fellowship on January 25, 2026, marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Centred on the theme, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4), the gathering brought together members and leaders from diverse Christian traditions to celebrate their shared faith in Christ.

The evening highlighted the importance of unity across denominations, transcending differences in tradition, language and culture. Mathew Samuel, IAS (retd), from the St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Santa Cruz, spoke on the relevance of Christian unity in India, stressing that standing together in faith remains essential regardless of denominational identity and reflects the nation’s foundational principle of unity in diversity.

The programme began with a warm welcome from the rector of the All India Mission Seminary, who extended greetings of peace to all present. Representatives from St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, the Methodist Church, Brethren Assembly, Rupantaran Fellowship Church, Tangkhul Baptist Church and North-East Baptist Church participated, reinforcing the spirit of fellowship and mutual respect.

Members of the Rupantaran Fellowship Church set a devotional tone through a prayerful dance performance, followed by a welcome address from Rev. Dr. Norman Almeida, Rector of the seminary, who emphasised the growing need for fellowship and unity within the Christian community. The evening continued with gospel songs by the Tangkhul and North-East Baptist Church choirs, creating an atmosphere of shared worship and joy.

A reflection on the Word of God was offered by Dr. James Samuel of the Brethren Assembly, who spoke about unity rooted in faith rather than uniformity, reminding the gathering that Christians, though diverse in tradition, share one Lord, one faith and one hope. The programme also included hymns and prayers led by choirs from different churches, culminating in the Prayers of the Faithful offered by the St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church.

The fellowship concluded with a prayer led by Rev. Pradeep Kumar of the Panjim Methodist Church, seeking God’s blessings for continued unity and mission among all believers. A final hymn by members of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church marked the close of the prayerful gathering, which ended with a fellowship meal, allowing participants to continue building relationships and celebrating their shared faith in Christ.