The following article appeared today on the Navhind Times:
MAPUSA: The Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi, Fr. Theodore Mascarenhas, has said that perseverance in prayers alone can help in the speedy beatification of Venerable Fr. Agnelo. If miracles are falling short to be recognized for his beatification then his devotees should not get disappointed, as the day is not far when Fr. Agnelo will be proclaimed a saint, said Bishop Theodore. Bishop Theodore who hails from Camurlim, Salcete and is a Pilar priest was the main celebrant at the 146th birth anniversary celebrations of Ven. Fr. Agnelo at Anjuna. Giving his message to a large congregation assembled, Bishop Theodore said that after 300 years of his death Blessed Joseph Vaz was declared a saint. Speaking further Bishop Theodore said “Blessed Joseph Vaz has been proclaimed saint and now we await the beatification and canonization of our son from Anjuna Fr. Agnelo. Just as Sancoale is today known for producing a saint, we hope Anjuna will also have a saint soon.” “Be it Shiroda, Sanvordem, Kumta or Karwar, a weak and tired Fr. Agnelo went about spreading the faith. We are all called to be saints, and saints before us are an inspiration to us” said Bishop Theodore. He said that it was an occasion for him to rejoice in celebrating with other Pilar priests the 146th birth anniversary of Ven. Fr. Agnelo in his native village of Anjuna. Earlier the vice postulator for the cause of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, Fr. Hilario Fernandes spoke about various miracles attributed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. Fr. Hilario said the Holy See was still awaiting a major miracle from Fr. Agnelo to declare him blessed. “I have come across various miracles performed through the intercession of Fr. Agnelo, and after an examination with my team, I have sent these cases to Rome but somehow they have fallen short of getting Fr. Agnelo beatified. Our efforts will continue with renewed vigour” informed Fr. Hilario. Besides a large number of Pilar fathers and other diocesan priests present, Fr. Francis Carvalho, the provincial superior general of Pilar fathers, Fr. Kyriel D’Souza, the Goa provincial superior, Fr. Thomas Gonsalves, parish priest of St. Michael Church, Anjuna, Fr. A.P. Vaz, Fr. Ivo Fernandes, Fr. Feroz Fernandes were also present. Moi-mogan, Domnic Fernades Gaumvaddi, Anjuna Mob: 8805237604
