Tag: Sindhudurg Diocese

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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.

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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.