Udupi: 89th Death Anniversary of beloved confrere Ven. Fr. Agnelo De Souza was held at the Milagres Cathedral on Saturday, 19th November, 2016. The solemn high mass was celebrated by the main celebrant Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo OFM, Editor of diocesan Uzvaad Fortnightly along with Very Fr. Stany B. Lobo Rector of the Cathedral, Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, deanery priests and other guest priests.

Prior to the Eucharistic celebrations, Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado Vocational Director of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur welcomed the faithful and gave an introduction on Ven. Fr. Agnel. In his homily Fr. Chetan Lobo pointed out the simplicity, nature of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. He clarified why Fr. Agnelo not become a Saint. Dreams never die. One day will come on proclamation of Fr. Agnelo as saint. He was very simple during in his priestly life in Kumta as well as in Goa. In his life he gave goodness to the faithful and people. His simplicity gave him as sainthood by his beloved people. Ven. Fr. Agnelo proclaimed the life of faith to the people around him and exhorted the faithful to follow in the footsteps of this saintly figure and life of faith with witness Jesus Christ.

Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur celebrated the day along with devotees and parents of seminarians by thanking God for his Blessings and prayed for the Canonization of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. As a spiritual preparation of nine days novena’s held at Pilar Fathers Mini Seminary Chapel in which good number of devotees and local ward people of Milagres Cathedral took part.

Very Rev Fr. Herald Mathias, Director and Superior of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur gave gratitude words at the end of the mass. He thankful to all priests and devotees participated during the Eucharistic celebrations. He gave thanks to the vicar of Milagres Cathedral Fr. Stany Lobo and clergy of Milagres.

Meanwhile, along with observation of 89th Death Anniversary of Ven. Agnelo, Seminarians day also celebrated. After the mass, the seminarians of Fr. Agnel Mini Seminary put up a short programme in Milagres Tri-centenary Hall. Seminarians displayed their talents through group singing and playing instrumental music called ‘All country Music’. The rector of the Cathedral gave his gratitude words for valuable services of Pilar Fathers in Kallianpur to the Cathedral as and when required specially confessions.

After the beautiful get together a programme of devotees of Ven. Fr. Agnelo fellowship meal was served to all the participants. Br. Johnson welcomed the gathered. Preetham proposed vote of thanks. Lenson compered the programme.