Tag: saints

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98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo Draws Thousands to Pilar

Tanisha Cardozo

The 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza drew thousands of faithful to the serene and historic hillock of Pilar, where the saintly priest of the Society of Pilar continues to inspire countless devotees. The day, revered as Venerable Agnelo’s Day, became a spiritual homecoming for pilgrims from Goa and beyond who gathered in prayer, gratitude, and devotion to honour a priest whose life of holiness still echoes deeply through generations. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, and concelebrated by Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, along with several priests of the Society of Pilar including Fr Nazareth Fernandes, SFX, Superior General, Fr Stevan D’Souza, Vicar General, Fr Joaquim Rebelo, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, Fr Hilary Fernandes from the Vice Postulation office, and Fr Joseph Fernandes, SFX, Central Delegate Superior.

In his homily, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes reflected on the theme “Ven. Agnelo Inspires Us to Be Pilgrims of Hope,” inviting the faithful to radiate the same holiness that defined Venerable Agnelo’s life. He expressed deep joy at celebrating the memory of a priest of “extraordinary holiness from our own soil,” reminding the congregation that Venerable Agnelo’s life still speaks “quietly, powerfully and beautifully.” He emphasized that the priest’s simplicity, humility, and unwavering hope offer every believer a model for Christian living. The Bishop highlighted how Venerable Agnelo lived in closeness to the poor, the sick, and the suffering, with a deep belief that endurance and suffering offered to God bear fruit in holiness. His fragile body, he said, held a remarkably strong hope rooted in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament—a hope that was alive, active, and transformative. Calling him a “pilgrim of hope,” Bishop Fernandes reminded the faithful that Venerable Agnelo walked with the suffering and helped lift the fallen, urging everyone to radiate holiness in their own surroundings.

Fr John Bennett, SFX, animated the liturgy, while Fr Hilary Fernandes served as commentator, and the choir, led by Fr Elvis Fernandes, SFX, enriched the celebration with sacred music. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Nazareth Fernandes thanked all present and encouraged the faithful to continue praying fervently for the canonization of Venerable Agnelo, especially as submitted miracles are currently under examination by Vatican doctors. Fr Joseph Anthony Fernandes, SFX, also expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the meticulous organization of the feast. The celebration also included the distribution of prizes for a poetry competition centered on the life of Venerable Agnelo, in the presence of dignitaries including Adv. Carlos Ferreira, MLA of Aldona, and Viresh Borkar, MLA of St. Andre.

Throughout the day, several Masses were offered by priests of the Society of Pilar, including Fr Rex Fernandes, SFX, Fr Lyndon Rodrigues, SFX, Fr Milton Rodrigues, SFX, Fr George Nandiyala, SFX, Fr Ligorino D’Costa, Fr Alex Fernandes, SFX, and Fr Norman Almeida, SFX. In the days leading up to the feast, the Novena drew large gatherings with Masses celebrated in multiple languages and special intentions. A dedicated Mass for the sick offered comfort and spiritual healing, while a night vigil united the faithful in fervent prayer for the canonization of Venerable Agnelo, whose holy and humble life continues to inspire thousands.

Special Occasion

All Saints’ Day: A Timeless Celebration of Faith, Memory, and Holiness

Tanisha Cardozo

All Saints’ Day, observed every year on November 1, is one of the most beautiful and ancient celebrations in the Christian calendar. It is a day dedicated to honoring all saints — those whose names are known to the world and those whose quiet holiness remains known only to God. It is a feast of memory, gratitude, and inspiration — reminding believers that sanctity is not reserved for a few extraordinary figures, but is a calling open to everyone.

The origins of All Saints’ Day trace back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. In the beginning, the Church honored martyrs — those who had given their lives for their faith — with individual feast days. As the number of martyrs grew, it became impossible to commemorate each one separately. By the 4th century, communities began to hold a collective feast for “all martyrs.” The Eastern Church first celebrated this feast on the Sunday after Pentecost, a practice still observed in Orthodox Christianity today.

In the Western Church, the tradition evolved under Pope Boniface IV, who in 609 AD consecrated the Roman Pantheon — once a temple to pagan gods — to the Virgin Mary and all martyrs, renaming it Sancta Maria ad Martyres. This symbolic act transformed a monument of ancient Rome into a Christian sanctuary and laid the foundation for All Saints’ Day as we know it. Later, in the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV established November 1 as the official date for the celebration across the Western Church. The feast was extended beyond martyrs to include all saints, recognizing not only those canonized but every soul who lived a life of holiness.

The day also has deep ties to All Hallows’ Eve — now widely known as Halloween — which serves as the vigil of the feast. “Hallow” means “holy,” and “All Hallows’ Eve” literally means “the evening before All Saints’ Day.” The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day, dedicated to praying for the faithful departed who have not yet reached heaven. Together, these observances create a profound trilogy of remembrance — celebrating the saints, praying for souls, and reflecting on our shared spiritual journey.

Throughout history, All Saints’ Day has taken on rich cultural expressions around the world. In France, it is known as La Toussaint and marked as a public holiday, with families visiting cemeteries to lay chrysanthemums on graves. In Spain, people attend Mass and bring flowers to cemeteries, blending faith with family tradition. In the Philippines, the celebration becomes a national reunion as families gather at cemeteries, lighting candles, sharing meals, and remembering loved ones through laughter and prayer. Across Latin America, the customs intertwine with Día de los Santos and Día de los Muertos, blending Catholic devotion with indigenous remembrance rituals.

For many, All Saints’ Day is not only about the saints of the past but also about the possibility of holiness in the present. It serves as a reminder that sanctity can be found in the everyday — in acts of kindness, forgiveness, courage, and love. The saints, in their diversity of backgrounds and experiences, show that there is no single path to holiness. Some were scholars and mystics; others were farmers, mothers, laborers, and children. Each, in their own way, answered the call to live a life of truth and compassion.

In churches around the world, the liturgical color of white symbolizes joy, purity, and the triumph of life over death. Bells ring, hymns echo, and prayers rise for all those who have gone before us in faith. The day invites every believer to reflect on their own life and purpose — to ask not only who the saints were, but who we might yet become.

As evening falls on All Saints’ Day, candles often flicker on graves and altars, their light soft but steady, symbolizing hope that endures beyond the limits of time. Each flame carries the memory of someone who lived with faith and love, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, light persists.

In honoring the saints, we celebrate not only their glory but the grace that flows through every human heart willing to choose goodness. All Saints’ Day calls us to see holiness not as perfection, but as presence — the presence of love that transforms the world, one act at a time.

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Goa Faithful Venerate Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis in Cavelossim During Canonisation in Rome

Tanisha Cardozo

Cavelossim, Goa | September 8, 2025: As the Catholic Church celebrated the canonisation of Carlo Acutis in Rome on Sunday, hundreds of faithful gathered at Holy Cross Church in Cavelossim, Goa, to venerate a relic of the newly-declared saint—a strand of his hair preserved within a life-sized statue. The atmosphere in the church was deeply spiritual, as parishioners recited the Rosary and joined in collective prayer. Parish Priest Fr Ubaldo Fernandes described the occasion as “an extraordinary blessing for the community,” emphasizing the importance of such a moment for the faithful of the parish.

Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 at the age of 15, was a modern teenager known for his love of technology, video games, and computer programming. Yet, it was his deep devotion to the Eucharist that defined his short but impactful life. He created an online database showcasing Eucharistic miracles from around the world, using his tech skills to bring the wonders of faith to a global audience. His beatification in 2020 and now canonisation in 2025 mark him as the Church’s first millennial saint, a powerful example for the digital generation.

The relic of Saint Carlo Acutis was brought to Goa by the Capuchin friars, who have been taking it on a pilgrimage across the state. After stops in Margao, Sinquerim, and Guirim, it reached Cavelossim, with its next scheduled location being Caranzalem. Alongside the relic, a travelling exhibition of Eucharistic miracles documented by Acutis is being displayed at each parish, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the depth of his faith and mission.

Fr Steve Rodrigues, Provincial of the Capuchins in Goa, shared with the media that Acutis represents “a true model of holiness in the digital age.” He emphasized how young people today can draw inspiration from Carlo’s example of using technology not for distraction, but for devotion. Acutis had a special bond with the Capuchin order, owing to his love for St Francis of Assisi. In fact, he chose to be buried in Assisi, where his remains now lie at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation.

The relic currently in Goa was brought from Italy by Fr Franky Fernandes, OFM Cap., about five years ago, with authorization from the Capuchin leadership. Its presence in Goa has touched hearts across the state, especially among the youth who see in Acutis a relatable figure who blended modern interests with deep spiritual conviction.

In other parts of Goa, the canonisation was also marked with special events. At St Anne’s Church in Agonda, the parish created a garden dedicated to Saint Carlo Acutis, featuring displays of Eucharistic miracles aimed at inspiring children and teenagers. Parish priest Fr Patrick Luis explained that this initiative seeks to encourage young people to grow closer to the Blessed Sacrament, following the example of the new saint.

For the people of Cavelossim, praying before the relic while the canonisation unfolded in Rome was a moment of profound connection with the universal Church. The celebrations were both solemn and joyful, as Goa joined the global Catholic community in welcoming its first millennial saint—a teenager who proves that sanctity is possible even in the midst of a digital world. Through his life and legacy, Saint Carlo Acutis continues to build bridges between timeless faith and the modern realities of young Catholics today.

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Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Together in Historic Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Ordinary Public Consistory on Friday morning, where he formally confirmed the canonizations of eight Blesseds. Among them were Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two widely beloved figures whose lives—though lived in different centuries—embodied a vibrant, youthful witness to faith.

Originally, Acutis was scheduled to be canonized during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, while Frassati’s canonization was planned for August 3, the close of the Jubilee for Youth. Both events were postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, which left their canonization dates in question.

That uncertainty ended when Pope Leo XIV announced the decision to canonize both young men together on September 7. The celebration drew widespread global attention, especially from the young faithful who had long looked up to Acutis—the first saint of the twenty-first century—and Frassati, whose early 20th-century life of charity and activism had already earned him the nickname “The Man of the Beatitudes.”

The ceremony reflected the Church’s recognition of the enduring impact of youth saints who lived out their faith in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and skill in using technology for evangelization, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, celebrated for his joyful service to the poor and political engagement grounded in Gospel values, now stand together as saints for a new generation.

Pope Leo XIV also announced that seven more Blesseds would be canonized in October. Among them are Archbishop Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, martyred during the Armenian Genocide in 1915, and Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea who was executed in 1945 for continuing Christian ministry under Japanese occupation. To Rot will become the first saint from Papua New Guinea.

Other future saints include Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles, founder of the Servants of Jesus in Venezuela; and Maria Troncatti, a missionary with the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians.

Two laymen were also approved for canonization: Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist who became a devout Catholic and established the Marian Shrine at Pompeii, and Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, a Venezuelan physician known for his generous service to the poor.

Together, these canonizations reflect Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to honoring a wide range of vocations and testimonies of faith—across eras, cultures, and walks of life.