Tag: Society of Pilar

#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.

Goan Personalities

Dr. Pramod Sawant Joins Natalancho Ekvott Christmas Celebrations at Society of Pilar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant joined the Natalancho Ekvott Christmas celebrations held at the Society of Pilar, marking the festive occasion in the presence of Father Nazareth Fernandes, Father Lawrence Fernandes and the priests of the Society of Pilar. The event reflected the spirit of Christmas through community participation, cultural warmth and shared goodwill.

During the celebrations, Dr. Sawant extended his heartfelt wishes to all on the occasion of Christmas and conveyed greetings for a happy and prosperous New Year. He appreciated the Society of Pilar for its continued contribution to social, educational and community-oriented initiatives, acknowledging the institution’s role in fostering inclusive values and service.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Sharkutori Table, which added a traditional and festive element to the celebrations. The occasion was marked by a warm and joyful atmosphere, reinforcing the message of unity, gratitude and togetherness that defines the Christmas season.

The Natalancho Ekvott celebrations once again highlighted the Society of Pilar’s commitment to cultural traditions and community engagement, bringing together faith leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers to celebrate the spirit of the season.

#faith

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.

Health

Blood Donation Camp Organized at Our Lady of Pilar Church, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 18, 2025, Our Lady of Pilar Church, affiliated with the Society of Pilar in Goa, organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the Goa Medical College Blood Bank. The camp, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, coincided with the eighth day of the novena dedicated to the sick and was held at the Pilar Seminary Hall. Parishioners who attended Mass earlier in the day actively participated in this life-saving initiative, alongside seminarians and priests who generously donated blood.

In addition to the blood donation drive, the camp featured an Organ Donation Information Desk managed by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation. He distributed approximately 30 frequently asked questions on organ donation and engaged attendees in meaningful discussions about the importance of pledging support for organ donation, inspiring many to consider contributing to this noble cause.

Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues, a founding member of Loving Hearts Goa, and President Mr. Mark D’Souza expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, for supporting the camp for the second consecutive year. They also thanked all donors for their valuable contributions, emphasizing that each donation has the potential to make a significant difference in someone’s life. The blood donation camp at Our Lady of Pilar Church was a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, compassion, and the shared commitment to saving lives through both blood and organ donation.

#faith

Commemoration of the 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza at Pilar

Tanisha Cardozo

The 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza will be solemnly celebrated at Pilar, Goa, on 20th November 2025, under the theme “Venerable Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope.” The solemn Mass at 9:30 a.m. will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Pilar hillock to offer prayers and thanksgiving for the saintly priest whose life continues to inspire the faithful.

The novenas in preparation for the feast will be held from 11th to 19th November, with each day dedicated to a special intention — from peace in the world and care for migrants, to prayers for youth, families, the environment, and the sick. The novena Mass timings will be held throughout the day, allowing pilgrims to participate in prayer and reflection. On 14th November, a special Night Vigil will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., offering a moment of deep spiritual communion and adoration. Masses will be celebrated in different languages to allow wider participation, including Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, along with a special Mass for the sick and one for the Spiritual Brothers and Sisters.

Each Mass will be followed by a novena prayer and prayers over the sick, with priests available for confessions and counselling. To reach devotees beyond Goa, all celebrations will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel Society of Pilar India and telecasted across major Goan television networks including CCR TV, Prime TV, Prudent TV, Goa365, RDX TV, Goa9 TV, and others.

As in past years, traffic management arrangements will be in place for the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Vehicles will enter Pilar Hillock via the Neura road and exit through the regular route, with parking arranged behind the Pilar Seminary. Shuttle services will be available for pilgrims commuting by bus.

Venerable Agnelo de Souza, born on 21 January 1869 in Anjuna, Goa, was a devoted priest of the Society of Pilar known for his deep humility, spiritual fervor, and missionary zeal. He spent his life preaching missions and retreats across Goa, touching countless lives with his holiness and compassion. He passed away at dawn on 20 November 1927, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. His cause for canonization is currently under process in Rome, and this annual commemoration continues to draw thousands of faithful praying for his beatification and canonization.