From the Editor’s Desk
Selfless Service
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elfless Service has been a spiritual practice in various faith traditions. Every religion extols the importance of giving one’s self for the good of others. Sewa or Selfless service is a way of life for the Sikhs. It involves serving and helping others without any expectation of reward or personal gain. In Hindu spirituality, Karma Yoga is the path of selfless service, a spiritual path to attain union with God through selfless, kind and generous actions. Itahr or selflessness is one of the noble qualities emphasized in Islam. The selfless person is one who is generous with his time and voluntarily lends help and support to others. In the Bible, Selfless Service is poignantly illustrated in Jesus’ parable where the Good Samaritan puts the needs of the battered stranger before his own. He goes out of his way to shower benevolence on this man who had been stripped, beaten, and left for dead. The Samaritan gives selflessly of his time, sympathy and assets. He places the wounded man on his own animal and brings him to an inn and takes care of him. He pays the innkeeper and promises to return and pay the balance. The Samaritan gave without wanting anything in return, a true form of selfless service. He served from his heart and soul in the spirit of helping the wounded man. Jesus embodied selfless service which he convincingly expressed in the words, ‘I came not to be served, but to serve”. Jesus through his teachings laid a template of selfless service and empowered his followers to “have the same mind-set”. Agnelo de Souza, a zealous pastor, is one such example of selfless service. 20 November marks the 94th anniversary of his death. He was born in Anjuna on January 21st, 1869. He grew up in Christian virtues inculcated by his parents and siblings, humble in his demeanour, weak in health and yet endowed with high intelligence. His saintly life is a model for us and his selfless service an inspiration to all people. Fr. Agnelo lived a life of detachment. In word and deed, he strove all his life to witness to the values of Jesus. Burning in the love of Jesus from a young age, he imbibed this same love and
mercy of God in himself and enkindled it in everyone he came across. His spirit of selfless service was visible throughout his priestly life. As the Spiritual director at the Rachol Seminary, he was ever ready to serve the sick. There was a Seminarian with Tuberculosis and nobody would visit him because of the fear of contracting it. However, Venerable Agnelo would visit him many times during the day, console him and help him in all his basic needs. Once there were some people who wanted to build a chapel in honour of St. John the Baptist near his house in Anjuna. When he learnt about this plan, he opposed the idea and instead proposed to set up a decent asylum to shelter the poor. When asked where the funds would come from, Fr. Agnelo replied enthusiastically, saying, he was ready to beg from house to house. I can do no better to conclude than by remembering Mother Teresa, one of the greatest symbols of selfless service to the poorest of the poor. Her selfless service was rooted in her respect for the individual and the individual’s worth and dignity. She dedicated herself to the service of the suffering and tortured humanity. She was a ray of hope for the aged, the destitute, the diseased, the terminally ill, and those abandoned by their families. The world lavished Mother Teresa with awards and medals for her selfless service. Life is about service. It is meant for practising benevolence and serving others by whatever means one can. When we serve, we radiate love and heal others. In turn we are also healed and filled with love and happiness. Selfless service strengthens our spiritual development. It purifies our heart and banishes egoism, hatred, jealousy, and the idea of superiority. It fosters humility, genuine love, sympathy, tolerance, and mercy towards others. “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” Elvis Fernandes, SFX Editor Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 3
contents
November, 2021 | Vol. 56
Padre Agnelo, a Zealous 16 Pastor who served the Needy selflessly
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Cover Feature
Youth Connection BY Christina Fernandes & Marina Fernandes
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Wisdom Lost in Knowledge BY Ibonio D’Souza
By Fr. Cosme Jose Costa, sfx 10
OH! Goa Goa’s Heritage: A White Paper BY Heta Pandit
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Inside India Could the farmers’ agitation propel the rise of a new India? BY Fr. Peter Fernandes, SFX
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GLOBAL GAZE World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse BY marifer fernandes
Editor Dr. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx
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MISSION MUSINGS “The Good beginning”
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BY Fr. Jegan Franklin, SFX
Sacred Space Through selfless service, eternal peace is obtained. Guru Granth Sahib 125
What reward does one obtain by rendering service? By service, one attains nearness of God. Uttredhain Sutra XXIX, 43
Rendering help to another is the function of all human beings Tattvarthasutra 5:21
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Coversational Mission: A Person To Person Mission - Part II BY Dr. Fr. Francis Carvalho, sfx
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A Missionary with a Difference By Scholastic Rolson D’Souza, sfx
They feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan, and the prisoner, for love of Him, saying, “We wish for no reward nor thanks from you”. Qur’an 76, 8-9
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Spirituality The Life of Saint Josaphat BY Scholastic velroy D’mello, SFX
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Selfless service stems from Humility by Fr. Santosh Mendonca, SFX
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“Santo Subito” – “Sainthood Soon” BY Fr. tony fernandes, SFX
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padre agnel His Body was Angelic... by Br. Eusebio Miranda, Sfx
The ignorant work for their own profit, Arjuna; the wise work for the welfare of the world, without thought of themselves. By abstaining from work you will confuse the ignorant, who are engrossed in their actions. Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion. Bhagavad Gita 3:10-26
I ask you in turn to put yourselves at the service of people like this and all that work with them in this arduous test. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 5
Youth
Courtesy: mustbethistalltoride.files.wordpress.com
Connection BY Christina Fernandes
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& Marina Fernandes
hether young or old, we are all longing for this pandemic to end; to get back to physically meeting our family members, friends, playmates, classmates and colleagues at work. Undeniably, human beings require interaction and connection, to thrive. It starts right from when we are babies and continues to remain significant at every stage of life. Connection is said to be an emotional bond in a relationship. It provides an invitation to someone to be in our presence, as also taking an interest and showing your desire to be in their presence. It is taking the time to truly get to know another; their likes, dislikes,
6 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
Connection is said to be an emotional bond in a relationship. It provides an invitation to someone to be in our presence, as also taking an interest and showing your desire to be in their presence. It is taking the time to truly get to know another; their likes, dislikes, fears and ambitions. fears and ambitions. It implies keeping empathy at the core of the relationship: being sensitive to others; being open to accept the other as he or she is. Connection is important for all kinds of relationships that we develop as we grow from our youth to adulthood: familial, friendships, romantic and even professional. However, due to the stress and distractions of the world, we forget to connect and our relationships suffer. Although being part of a team, it can feel like we work in silos and are only focused on getting the job done. We don’t make time to connect on a personal level or communicate in a way that makes us and the other feel understood. We may enter romantic
relationships and decide to marry and settle down. As years pass, we get engrossed in bringing up our kids, our professional goals and house work, focused on the tasks expected of one’s role. Rarely do we prioritize making the time to bond together: as a couple and/or family and our relationships take a back seat. We become almost strangers, living in the same house. As teenagers, we engage more with our friends and activities outside the house. It’s important to focus on these crucial relationships and make time for the important people in our families. With our children, connection is crucial. Building connection with them, promotes their resilience and feeling of security. It also sets them up for healthy relationships in the
Youth future. ‘Parenting is 80percent connection and 20 percent guidance because until children feel connected, they have no reason to follow our guidance’ says Dr Laura Markham How can parents fully meet connection needs? Provide MORE than the child is seeking. Do this, so that they can trust that their basic needs of feeling loved and secure will always be met; even in their toughest moments. And never underestimate the power of play. That is singlehandedly the best way to connect with our children, as play is their world. But what is even more important than actually connecting with our children is our DESIRE to connect with them. When the desire is there, children aren’t as hungry to connect. When it isn’t, no amount of connection will fill the need. This holds true for all our adult relationships as well. Though we forge relationships with many, sometimes it’s hard to truly connect, even if we try to. Why does this happen? Gary Chapman states that every person has a love language; a particular language that each person uses to express affection, care, love and respect for the other person. A relationship is strengthened when we communicate love in a way that is understood. This theory is applicable to all walks of life. The 5 love languages: Quality time: Others enjoy undivided attention and appreciate when we turn off all distractions, actively listen, make gentle eye contact. At the workplace: create opportunities and time for workplace bonding. For children: join them in play. Receiving gifts: Others focus
more on the thought behind the gift. For them it means that you know them very well and they feel loved knowing that. At the workplace: provide new opportunities and challenges, especially if they show willingness to learn new things. For children: leave a treat in their lunch box Words of affirmation: Others enjoy words of kindness and encouragement. At the workplace: provide feedback and mentorship. For children: remind them, that you love them for who they are. Acts of service: Others enjoy it, when someone does something for them; even if they are capable of doing it themselves e.g. cooking a meal, doing their laundry, ironing their clothes. At the workplace: Showing support. If some is overworked, willing to share the load. Share notes on what worked with similar projects. Physical touch: Others simply want to enjoy being close to the other, in person. They might enjoy a hug, squeeze of the hand, a high five, fist bump or a handshake. If this is your primary love language, be very mindful of the personal boundaries another might have, as not everyone may feel comfortable with a hug. We tend to speak our primary love language. But we need to pause and understand what is the other’s primary love language too. When we don’t recognize the other’s love language, that’s when problems arise. We might feel that we are communicating our love and appreciation to another. But they may be in ways that the other may not understand or even acknowledge. And our love is then lost in translation. This might lead to us feeling frustrated and the other feeling unappreciated or unloved e.g. if the wife’s love
language is acts of service, she might put a lot of effort into cooking her husband’s favourite dinner. However, if the husband’s love language is quality time, he would prefer that she spent time talking to him rather than being in the kitchen. He might feel unloved and might not show appreciation for her hard work, simply because that’s not the way he understands love. This leaves the wife feeling unloved too. It is first important to be more aware of your own primary love language - think about what you appreciate, or what you find yourself asking/wishing from another. To understand another’s love language, pay attention to how they show you love. It is still important to express your love and appreciation in all the 5 languages, but there will always be one which stands out more for the other. Being more present and mindful of the others expression of love, can gain a better understanding of them, things that could upset them and can also lead you to have a deeper appreciation for their gestures. With practice and an open heart, you can become more adept at understanding the love language of others. This can bring about more meaningful relationships, create better communication and open your eyes to a new form of connection. In our next article, we will discuss the role and challenges of technology, particularly social media - as it has become a significant part of our lives, in how we connect with others. Christina Fernandes is a family & youth Counsellor and Life Skills coach.. Marina Fernandes is a HR Professional in Learning & Development, Coaching and People Management skills.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 7
Wisdom Lost in Knowledge
BY Ibonio D’Souza
F
rom the beginning of time, man has been trying to make sense of himself and his world. He has been seeking understanding. But as time marches on, man isn’t happier, and he hasn’t been able to conquer his own nature. What ‘s wrong? With all the great minds and thinking that have gone before us, with all the lessons of history left for us to examine, it is difficult to imagine why we aren’t further along than we are. Why are we asking the same questions in our search for meaning, which the Greeks were asking 2600 years ago. Do we not yet have enough information 8 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
Courtesy: www.incimages.com
YOUTH
We now live in a world where we are inundated with more information than we can possibly process. There are so many unwanted messages bombarding us, that often the ones we want get lost in the noise. The average person can now communicate faster, with more people - without thinking - than ever before. Information has become disposable. available to us? We now live in a world where we are inundated with more information than we can possibly process. There are so many unwanted messages bombarding us, that often the ones we want get lost in the noise. The average person can now communicate faster, with more people - without thinking - than ever before. Information has become disposable. It doesn’t matter whether you are connected to the internet or not. We get hit with it at every turn. At work. At home as we try to relax. And at all points in between. Are we any wiser? History tell
us that we haven’t learnt much in spite of all we know. The situation changes, but the problems remain the same. Clearly, we need to do something better with all of this information. Poet, T. S. Eliot, posed the question: “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? In a day and age where the number one shows are sitcoms and we commonly find best sellers written by those on the fringe of society, we are clearly in need of better thinking. We need wisdom. What is this elusive quality called wisdom? How do we get it?
YOUTH
Knowledge too can deceive us into thinking we are wise. Knowledge alone is not wisdom. Let’s begin by taking a look at the four levels of thinking. The first level is Data - simple facts and figures. Next we have Information. Information is data that’s been collected and organised. It is a reference tool. Something we turn to when trying to create something else. The third level is Knowledge. This is information that we have digested and now understand. Organised as knowledge, the information we have collected is given a context. The fourth and final level is Wisdom. Today, wisdom has become for many, indistinguishable from knowledge. But they are two different things. Often, what we find touted as wisdom is simply opinion. Knowledge is not wisdom. There is a big difference. Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge. To be more precise, wisdom is knowledge that has been applied in a way that takes into account all its pertinent relationships and that is consistent with universal laws. A glut of information can be a kind of Catch-22. While it adds to our knowledge, it can be a block to our wisdom. We can be so busy trying to process more and more information, that we don’t have the time for quiet contemplation that is essential for the development of wisdom. Without contemplation, we lose perspective and can lose our grounding. Without our bearings we lose a sense of place. Confused, we are more easily swayed. Knowledge too can deceive us into thinking we are wise.
Knowledge alone is not wisdom. Perhaps you know someone who is sufficiently educated and yet he or she can’t hold a job, can’t act on basic instructions, and they seem to be constantly faced with a host of problems. What’s wrong? These people aren’t dumb. They don’t seem to lack the necessary information to be a success in life. Yet for them, life is one struggle, one upset, after another. Sadly, they lack wisdom. Many people know a great deal but are all the more foolish because of it. They have not yet learned how to apply the knowledge they have. For the successful conduct of life, mere knowledge is not enough. Knowledge is power only when you truly understand and apply it. Knowledge is power only when it changes your life. Understanding something brings this change in the way you think and behave, where as merely knowing something makes no difference to your life. In 1677, the Dutch philosopher Spinoza, suggested that wisdom is seeing things sub specie aeternitatis (Latin), that is, in view of eternity. A foundational principle of wisdom is to have a long term perspective; to see the big picture; to look beyond the immediate situation. Of course, an all-encompassing,
total perspective is possessed only by God. Although it can only be approached by humans, it is an ideal we should seek. To gain perspective, it is helpful to study events and people throughout history. The past is the sum of all we are today. Understand it. Know why we are where we are today. Take time each day with those who have left their lives for our example. In time, it will broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding. You will gain many lifetimes of experience in your own. Wisdom requires humility. You must be teachable. If you are to put these things into practice, you must be willing to take a look at what you thought you knew about yourself and the ideas you hold. It requires an outward focus, not a selfish one. Often people who know a lot can’t get past that fact and as a result never gain insight into what they know. A wise man never stops asking questions. He realises that what he knows is but a drop, in a sea of knowledge. He is the author of the widely read motivational book “Rise and Shine… the Lotus way”, and a social activist.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 9
OH! Goa
Goa’s Heritage: A White Paper
BY Heta Pandit
T
he tiny coastal state of Goa is better known as a holiday/entertainment resort destination than for its architecture, culture, social and oral history. This stereotypical branding of Goa as a former Portuguese Colony has been both deliberate and debilitating to its true spirit and culture. This article aims at drawing attention to these aspects of Goa’s priceless and fast-fading heritage. While there is much cause to celebrate, the author also points out to the flaws in current systems and attitudes that adversely affect its fragile natural, 10 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
In the wide and beautiful canvas of Goa’s built heritage, we find that there are certain monumental buildings that are being completely and deliberately neglected. Some of these are the Old Hospicio or Goa Institute of Management at Ribander; the Old Goa Medical College in Panaji; the Adil Shah Palace in Panaji; the Old PWD building in Panaji; the Municipal Building in Vasco, five Comunidade buildings in various towns in Goa and the innumerable pieces of street furniture like lighthouses, traffic islands and the gardens in almost every town and village. built and intangible heritage. In support of the adversity currently observed by this author, in her capacity as Vice Chairperson Goa Heritage Action Group and as an independent researcher and writer, here are some recent observations: In the wide and beautiful canvas of Goa’s built heritage, we find that there are certain monumental buildings that are being completely
and deliberately neglected. Some of these are the Old Hospicio or Goa Institute of Management at Ribander; the Old Goa Medical College in Panaji; the Adil Shah Palace in Panaji; the Old PWD building in Panaji; the Municipal Building in Vasco, five Comunidade buildings in various towns in Goa and the innumerable pieces of street furniture like lighthouses, traffic islands and the gardens in almost
OH! Goa every town and village. In the extraordinarily beautiful and spectacular setting of Old Goa along the banks of the soul-stirring Mandovi (once called the Gomti because she swirled like a goddess) stand the world heritage sites of St Cajetan Church, the Sé Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Shri Gomanteshwar Temple, Our Lady of the Mount and the Church dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and the ASI Museum housed in the Convent attached to the Church. A few metres away on Holy Hill are the impressive St Augustine ruins and the Convent of Santa Monica, the Church dedicated to Santa Monica and the Museum of Christian Art. While all appears to be well at first glance in the Old City or Goa Velha, there is a sinister plan at what looks like an attempt at rapid urbanization. A concerted effort, that began to worm its way into Old Goa as early as 2015, manifested itself in March 2020 - soon after Goa went into instant lockdown overnight. A concrete structure was being constructed in the vicinity of the St Cajetan Church and Seminary on the plot of land that was once the garden of the Viceroy’s Palace. A small thatched hut once stood there. It was demolished and permissions from the Town & Country Planning Department and NOC from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority obtained by fraudulently showing a double storied house in Parcem, Pernem 1 hour 20 minutes away from this plot. Neither ASI Goa Circle nor ASI Delhi were asked for their permissions or NOC’s which is mandatory for such a “repair”. To this author, this is the beginning of a plan to urbanize the whole of the old City and cram the World Heritage Sites and Monuments with new housing just as has been done at the historic Kadamba Plateau, the old Kadamba trade and royal route
The blind spot seems to be in the word “beautification” with concrete embankments, tarring of bandhs and dykes and flood lighting. known to historians as Rajbid. This brings us to the natural heritage sites in Goa that are on a roller coaster ride between complete neglect and a deliberate attempt at conversion to real estate. The Kadamba Batim Lake, a lake that dates back to the Kadamba period and was built by one Gandagopal for the Kadamba queens, is today facing a threat from several quarters. It is the largest freshwater lake in Goa and a popular birding site especially after the recent “beautification” of the Carambolim Lake and Mayem Lake. Goa’s natural springs, once the only source of drinking water in our villages also roller coaster between being smothered in layers of solid concrete and complete annihilation from disuse. The blind spot seems to be in the word “beautification” with concrete embankments, tarring of bandhs and dykes and flood lighting. It is tempting to ask if Goa is only being packaged and marketed for the tourists at the cost of the local residents, fisher folk, farmers, bird life, wildlife and forests. The status of the cultural canvas seems equally meagre. On August 13, 2021 a spanking new four storied structure was inaugurated in Porvorim and given the title TRIBAL BHAVAN. Kilometres away from this urban
conglomerate, Goa’s tribals are struggling for survival. This is not for just subsistence survival but also the sustenance of their age-old cultural practices and traditional values. Objects and memories from the hinterlands of Goa are being painstakingly documented by independent researchers on meagre budgets struggling to find publishers for their work in the interest of documentation for posterity. All is not lost, however. Goan houses are being restored and refurbished by both old and new owners at their own cost with no help from the government. Young, educated and intelligent brigades are lining up to fight to save the forests and Goa’s built heritage threatened by the double tracking of the South Western Railway line to accommodate the transportation of coal for neighbouring Karnataka’s steel plants. NGOs are being formed all over the state, individuals are knocking on the doors of courts with substantial public interest litigations, holding all night candlelight vigils. This author questions the need for such NGOs and individuals leaving their own professional and academic work aside and devoting their precious time to research, study and direct action. When the Goa Heritage Action Group was founded on 30th September 2000 with the aim of “becoming redundant”, the aim was such because the Group believed that if the authorities did what they were supposed to do the Group would be “out of business”. Sadly, that aim has not been met. Instead, the Group is growing in numbers and in strength. It is an ironic statement on the status of heritage, a white paper on a beautifully painted rich canvas. She is a heritage activist and architectural historian.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 11
Inside india
Could the farmers’ agitation propel the rise of a new India?
BY Fr. Peter Fernandes, SFX
O
n 9th August 1942, Gandhi (All India Congress Committee) launched the “Quit India Movement” demanding the end of British rule in India. Five years later, India earned “Independence” from foreign power and became a sovereign nation. Quit India Movement truly resonated with the masses, and people from all quarters joined together, to fight against a common 12 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
Quit India Movement truly resonated with the masses, and people from all quarters joined together, to fight against a common enemy - for a respectful and dignified living, as free citizens of a free nation. The mighty empire of “The British Rule” crumbled against the strength of unity in diversity. The people of India heeded the clarion call to fight against British rule, precisely to live with respect and dignity, in unity with diversity. enemy - for a respectful and dignified living, as free citizens of a free nation. The mighty empire of “The British Rule” crumbled against the strength of unity in diversity. The people of India heeded the clarion call to fight against British rule, precisely to live with respect and dignity, in unity with diversity. However, those who
did not participate in the Quit India Movement are a force today that drives the present dispensation with faulty vision and divisive politics, which has percolated every fabric of our society. The ominous air of deception, meandering over the nation, is going to divest the respect and dignity of the citizens and decimate the unity in diversity,
Inside india the very thing our forefathers fought for. Are these fears real or fabricated? Why are farmers agitating? Since June 5th 2020, when the 3 farm bills were promulgated by the center, farmers are in distress. As agriculture and markets are state subjects, the ordinances are being seen as a direct encroachment upon the functioning of the states and against the spirit of the cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution. On September 27th amid ongoing protests by farmers and opposition parties, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the three draconian bills earlier passed by the Indian Parliament. These Farm Acts are: Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) agreement on price assurance and farm service bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) bill. Yes indeed, the famers fears are real, and ought to be supported wholeheartedly. The dangerous vision of the government, “One nation, one market”, would favour the big cooperates, and reduce the power of the common man only to dance to the tune of nasty business tycoons. Such a scenario would thus put most of the citizens at the mercy of the big cooperates, which then would repeat the vicious cycle of colonial type rule. Rightly so, the farmers are agitating to protect their rights and those of the common man. The present dispensation is hell-bent on creating, “One nation, with…one language, one culture, one religion, one market …” And, to achieve their goal, a false narrative of patriotism (citizens had to quietly suck-in the detrimental government, such as demonetization and GST) has
The present dispensation is hell-bent on creating, “One nation, with… one language, one culture, one religion, one market been created and percolated to every nook and corner of this country. Those who oppose this narrative are tagged as antinationals, with dire consequence and others are termed as Urban Naxals. Examples of those who became victims of this cunning and dangerous ploy are numerous. Many journalists, lawyers and judges are killed in suspicious circumstances, few others are lingering in prison without text or context. Similar is the fate of whistle-blowers, social workers, opposition leaders, and minority communities. The false notion of nationalism has given rise to an ominous dark cloud of fear and uncertainty. Citizenship is compromised for the sake of a faulty vision and democracy is distorted and decimated to fulfil their vision. Where is the voice of truth and justice? Two independent pillars of democracy, namely, media and judiciary have been totally compromised for their own benefit to betray the nation. How long can the spirit of freedom be suppressed? Who will ignite and galvanize the nation to fight against those inflicting these atrocities? Will the farmers’ protest propel the rise of a new India? Unity in diversity is the nobility of this nation. The present
dispensation abhors such a notion. Yes, we are one in diversity, which is beyond the comprehension of the divisive elements. For that reason, they abstained from the Quit India Movement and aligned themselves with the British to betray the nation. But those who understood the soul of India, fought fearlessly and many laid down their lives as martyrs; whose memories we recall and celebrate. This ancient nation has survived and thrived for centuries allowing all to live in peace and harmony. The concept of India as enshrined in the Constitution is threatened again. Therefore, rise O’ India for the sake of your children, whose future is in grave peril. Farmers are the backbone of our economy as well as the providers for the nation. Farmers toil daily to provide for the nation; they are the true sons of the soil. The draconian laws that are enacted are meant to destroy the backbone of the nation’s economy and to leave the farmers to fend for themselves against the mighty tycoons. Let their struggle not go in vain, but heed a clarion call to safeguard the soul of India. Let us fight against the corrupt notion of “One nation…with one language, religion, culture, and market”, and safeguard the constitution that guarantees religious freedom and federalism. The farmers are determined to take their fight to a logical conclusion against all odds placed before them by the present dispensation. Where do you stand? Are you ready to fight for the soul of this nation? Does unity in diversity appeal to you? Then stand with the farmers, for their fight can truly propel the rise of a new India.
He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Director of Fr. Agnel Minor Seminary, Kallianpur, Karnataka.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 13
Global GAZE
World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse
BY marifer fernandes
W
e live in a Modern Era, but the “21st Century” seems to do no good to the entire Nation. Looking at the present crime rate statistics, is it terrifying to know that we are still unsafe, despite having organizations that strive for our betterment. Gone are the old good days when we lived without fear, as compared
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Gone are the old good days when we lived without fear, as compared to the current situation caused by countless number of crimes. Despite living in a Democratic society, we are forced to suppress the truth, letting Criminals and Predators to move freely to the current situation caused by countless number of crimes. Despite living in a Democratic society, we are forced to suppress the truth, letting Criminals and Predators to move freely Questions we need to ask: ARE OUR CHILDREN SAFE? ARE THEY SAFE WITH THE PEOPLE WE TRUST? ARE WE MONITORING WHO HANGS OUT WITH OUR CHILDREN?
Serious questions every parent needs to ask him/herself. Today, CHILD ABUSE is known to be the greatest and gravest crime not just in India but even globally. Children all over India are victims to sexual abuse or harassment. A crime that is silent; the victim is threatened or forced to keep quiet. We, as Parents or Adults, should keep a watch on our children, recognizing the signs, symptoms and any behavioural changes.
Global GAZE
TODAY, Child Neglect has become all too common, due to various reasons – our hectic work schedule, relationship issues and an unstable environment. There are various forms of Child Abuse, a common one being CHILD NEGLECT. TODAY, Child Neglect has become all too common, due to various reasons – our hectic work schedule, relationship issues and an unstable environment. All these factors play a vital and crucial role in a child’s life. Sometimes, we are so busy and engrossed, that we are unable to give time to our children, ignoring them - not understanding the fact that this could be another form of CHILD ABUSE. We, as parents, should understand the fact that our children are safe with us and not any caregivers, relatives, friends, etc. We must stop using abusive words, frightening them, bullying or judging the children – these could severely disturb their mental health. Your child needs you and your attention; a ear to listen to them, a hope that no matter what, you as parent will stand with them. You may ignore it now but only at the cost of the mental state of the child. Hats off to children who have the courage to speak of being victims of CHILD ABUSE. Globally, the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO), estimates that up to 1 billion minors between the ages of 2- 17 have
endured violence, either physical, emotional or sexual; other types of abuse are not reported commonly. 80% to 98% of children suffer physical punishment at their homes. Unfortunately, abused and neglected children are at a higher risk - due to their psychological and behavioural health, unstable mental health and poor physical health - of lower academic achievement. In addition, maltreated children are more likely to exhibit poor social skills and classroom behaviour, making them less interactive with other children. According to research, children with special educational needs are seven times more prone to physical abuse and neglect. A MESSAGE TO PARENTS/ TEACHERS / CITIZENS/ SYSTEMS WE, as Individuals, should raise our voices against any inappropriate act towards our children; if we ignore this, we will kill their beautiful smiles. We urge all to protect them, because they are the blooming flowers of our NATION. PARENTS, build an open and friendly environment with your child in order to fight this abuse. It is rightly said that EDUCATION
begins at HOME - educate your child on basic body anatomy and to speak up, if they are a victim of child abuse. Train them to use a code word, in case they are prone to any uncomfortable circumstances. Be vigilant and do not trust anybody, even if it is your close RELATIVE. TEACHERS, conduct safety training for children to help them identify abusive behaviour and to encourage them to seek help. Schools should strive to spread awareness on CHILD ABUSE, even if the topic seems uncomfortable. We need organizations/ firms/ systems to have a closer look at victims of CHILD ABUSE, so that they may flourish and grow normally like children, who live a fruitful life. WE URGE TO THE ENTIRE NATION TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, SO THEY LIVE A FRUITFUL LIFE. She is a writer and a co- author working for various publication houses. She is a Post Graduate in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Technology and now works as a freelance writer and working on her oncoming book on Unemployment seen amongst the people in today’s Era.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 15
COVER FEATURE
Padre Agnelo, a Zealous Pastor who served the Needy selflessly
Fr. Agnelo spent 12 years in zealous and selfless pastoral ministry, wherever his Superiors appointed him. He first served in the missionary parish of Shiroda (Goa: 1908-1910), then in the vast parish of Kumta (North Kanara: 19101917) and lastly at 2021 16 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November Sanvordem, Goa.
COVER FEATURE
By Fr. Cosme Jose Costa, sfx
F
r. Agnelo was a generous and outgoing personality, ever ready to help, guide and direct those who approached him. As Parish priest and pastor, he would visit his flock regularly, going from house to house, trying to understand their sorrows and needs and console them with brotherly love and concern. He would care for their sick, console and comfort those living isolated or dejected because of fear, mockery or misunderstanding by others. Here are some examples of his varied and selfless services to the needy. Some people wanted to build a Chapel in honor of St John the Baptist near Fr Agnelo’s house in the Gaumvaddi ward of Anjuna. When this news came to the ears of Fr Agnelo, he opposed this idea and proposed instead to put up a decent Asylum to shelter the poor. When someone asked him where the funds would come from, Fr Agnelo answered enthusiastically that for this he himself was ready to beg for them, going from house to house. However, it was a setback for him, as his co-villagers did not accept this idea. Fr. Agnelo spent 12 years in zealous and selfless pastoral ministry, wherever his Superiors appointed him. He first served in the missionary parish of Shiroda (Goa: 1908-1910), then in the vast parish of Kumta (North Kanara: 1910-1917) and lastly at Sanvordem, Goa. At the same time, he was the Confessor of
Misfortunes of others moved Fr Agnelo to pity. He would visit his flock regularly, going from house to house, trying to understand their sorrows and needs. the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol. This last appointment continued from 1908 to 1918. During these years, Fr. Agnelo had to be regularly available to the Seminarians, for the sacrament of penance, even coming from far away Kumta and Sanvordem. As Canon Elvidio Menezes puts it, “Fr. Agnelo had a great horror for sin and this horror he tried to instill in the Seminarians and even in the people. He taught the Seminarians to make frequent reparation for the injuries done to God by the sins of human beings”. Service in Shiroda As said above, Fr. Agnelo worked in the parish of Shiroda from 1908 to 1910. The area of the parish included even Colem and Dabal, at that time situated in dense forests infested with wild animals, In order to reach there, the missionaries had to traverse long distances through jungle paths, on foot or on bullock carts, as there were no proper roads. Fr. Agnelo would keep on praying the Rosary all the way and overcome fears. Once a month, he would go to Colem and Dabal to administer the Sacraments and celebrate the Sunday Eucharist, in a shed, as these places had no Chapel or Church (today they are full-fledged
parishes). He enjoyed sharing with the faithful of the whole Shiroda parish, the sanctifying graces contained in the Sacraments. His prayer gave him the energy to face all obstacles with courage. He would intercede for his flock, just like Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Service in Kumta At that time, the whole of North Kanara district, from Karwar to Honavar, though lying in British India, came under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Goa. Kumta was a large parish in the Southern part of that district. What was then one parish is today the Deanery of Kumta, comprising eight parishes. Fr Agnelo worked in that one parish of Kumta, from 1910 to 1917, with great enthusiasm to build the Kingdom of God. Some parishioners seem to have had some tussle with the previous Vicar: for, after Fr. Agnelo had taken over, one night some drunkards started banging the Church doors demanding to see the parish accounts. Fr. Agnelo received them calmly in, and placed the books of accounts on the table saying, “It is your money, you have the right to know how it is spent” His meek behavior conquered his opponents, who asked pardon and left. Once, Fr Agnelo had to walk from Kumta to Gokarna, a good 25 kilometers distance, where he had to bless nuptials the next morning. He reached there in the dead of night and he found the Chapel locked. Not to put anyone to inconvenience, Fr. Agnelo, after his prayers, slept under a nearby tree. Love for a life of sacrifice, would in this way, shine out in his life. An old man from Mirjan, another parish in today’s deanery of Kumta, Intru D’Souza by name, narrated that as a little boy, he went one day to see Fr Agnelo in Kumta. Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 17
COVER FEATURE When he came to know that Intru was not going to school, Fr. Agnelo gave him a slate, pencil, and one rupee and told him to enroll himself in the primary school at Mirjan. Intru was grateful to Fr Agnelo, for, if it had not been for him, Intru would have remained illiterate all his life. Intru also testified that Fr Agnelo was not that strict and rigorous a Priest, people would think him to be. He liked children and wanted to see them play. In order to attract them to catechism, he mixed with them and even suggested some games. Intru said that the boys liked to play with a ball made of grass wrapped in a piece of cloth. Fr. Agnelo had taught the little boys to make a ball with old socks. The boys would stuff the socks with rags and put a few stitches to give some durability. They would get Fr Agnelo’s old socks for this purpose. Misfortunes of others moved Fr Agnelo to pity. He would visit his flock regularly, going from house to house, trying to understand their sorrows and needs. He would care for their sick and bind their wounds. Once he came to the aid of a widowed mother. Service in Sanvordem From Kumta, the ecclesiastical authorities transferred Fr Agnelo, on 17-4-1917, as Chaplain-Curate of Sanvordem (Goa), where he worked with the same zeal and charity for the spiritual and material needs of the parishioners. He enlarged the Priests’ Residence, and constructed a new baptismal font in the Church. Love of the poor and sympathy towards those in want were in the very marrow of his bones and he experienced joy in succoring those who sought his aid and guidance. Once, Fr Agnelo went out of his way to help a family in distress at the time of their daughter’s 18 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
COVER FEATURE wedding, by taking a loan to help the parents to provide her a dowry. On another occasion, seeing a married woman washing the feet of her husband, he said to her, “Do you know how meritorious this act is? If all married women acted in this manner, there would be no divorces”. It is curious to note that on 11-4-1919 and again on 18-21920, the authorities renewed Fr Angelo’s Sanvordem appointment, respectively for one and two years more. However, before that, on 20-5-1918, the Rector of Rachol Seminary asked Fr Agnelo to take over as the provisional Spiritual Director. Two months later, on 15-7-1918, the ArchbishopPatriarch confirmed Fr. Agnelo as the resident Spiritual Director of the same Seminary. However, he had a secular priest, Fr. Alcuino da Costa, as a permanent assistant in Sanvordem, because of his commitment to Rachol. Fr Alcuino has testified in the Process, thus: “From my associations with Fr. Agnelo, whom everyone without exception considered as a saintly Priest, I had the occasion to admire in him the virtues of obedience, mortification and temperance... On his bed there was never a mattress - all that he had was a sheet thrown over it. At table, he would never complain, and not once did he draw the attention of the servant to anything, whether the food came to the table without condiment, or insipid or salty - everything was good enough for him, in a true spirit of mortification of the tongue and of taste. Every time he climbed the pulpit, he would come down exhausted. It was a matter of admiration that so loud a voice came out of so slender a body”. Service as Spiritual Director of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol Fr.Agnelo served as the resident
Love of the poor and sympathy towards those in want were in the very marrow of his bones and he experienced joy in succoring those who sought his aid and guidance. Spiritual Director of the Seminary of Rachol for over 9 years, from 1919 until his death in 1927. This period was most fruitful in his life. He himself attained a high degree of perfection and spiritual maturity, and to those who came under his guidance, he was a real father, teacher, friend and guide. His spiritual discourses, Catechism classes and spiritual direction carried conviction, to instil in them a desire for sanctity. His zeal was so intense that however long he spoke, no one was tired of listening to him. The sincerity and clarity of his words ‘swept everyone off their feet and everyone hung on his lips’. He thus prepared a legion of future priests, who would be great preachers and pastors of souls after him. In his responsibility of guiding the Seminarians, he was able to help those who had scruples. Among others a professor of Rachol Seminary, Fr. Guilherme (William) Coutinho deposed in the Process that as a Seminarian he had once faced a crisis. He went to see Fr. Agnelo, who with great simplicity solved the problems that had looked unsurmountable. To help poor Seminarians whose families found it difficult to pay their Seminary expenses, Fr. Agnelo introduced Philately, as a
free-time hobby, by making the Seminarians collect used stamps, clean them and arrange them in packets. The proceeds of their sales then went to meet those expenses of the poor Seminarians. Fr Agnelo was ever ready to serve the sick even in their meanest needs. In his time, there was a Seminarian suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) and as everyone considered this disease as contagious, no one would dare to go to his room. Fr Agnelo, however, would visit him many times during the day, console him and help him in his basic needs until he died in the Seminary itself. Fr Agnelo also inculcated in the Seminarians and the people at large, new ideas: especially basing himself on the (then recent) social doctrines of the Church, stressing on payment of just wages to bring Christ’s compassion to the weak, the landless agricultural labourers, industrial workers, and the oppressed. Conclusion: Venerable Fr Agnelo had deep and special bonds, with the Triune God. Whoever met him: lay people, priests and seminarians experienced through him, this profound contact with the Divine. The poor received his special attention. Many have borne witness to this, saying that ‘his pockets were always open to them: if he could not give them flowers of charity, he at least gave them a few petals’. He would care for their sick, console, and comfort those living isolated or dejected. Let us imitate him in his selfless service of all. He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a professor of History of Christianity and Curator of the Pilar Museum. He is prolific writer and author of several books. His latest book ‘The Heritage of Govapuri’ is a rare scholarly work on the artifacts in and around the Pilar Monastery, Pilar - Goa
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 19
Mission musings
“The Good beginning” In 2015, the parishioners of Ulhasnagar were filled with gratitude and immense joy on having ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Succour’ Mass centre being raised to the status of Parish Unit.
BY Fr. Jegan Franklin, SFX
O
ur Lady of Perpetual Succour parish is a Roman Catholic Church, dedicated to ‘Virgin Mary’, situated in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra. This Mass unit came into existence in the year 1975-76. Initially, we had just twelve families and gradually it went on increasing, by the grace of God. The Mass centre day by day witnessed an overwhelming response and it was becoming difficult to accommodate people in a small area. As months and years passed by, with continuous prayer and lot of determination, the church was renovated. Now the church is quite spacious and can accommodate quite a number of people. The 20 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
altar is beautiful and elegant. At its entrance, the Church has a beautiful grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, which attracts hundreds of people every day including people of other religions. Since the railway station is close to the church, people who pass by, venerate Mary before leaving for their respective work. A few people of other religions are even seen lighting candles at the grotto. In 2015, the parishioners of Ulhasnagar were filled with gratitude and immense joy on having ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Succour’ Mass centre being raised to the status of Parish Unit. A longawaited dream had just knocked at their door. So far, they had to go to the Our Lady of Fatima Church, Ambernath for their spiritual needs. Now they would have their own priests residing at the Church. The first ones to reside in the Church were Fr. Floriano Rodrigues and Bro. Kuldeep Lakra. After them, Frs. John D’ Silva and Binod Kerketta took care of the parish unit. At the moment, Fr. Philip D’Souza and Fr. Jegan Franklin are the shepherds of the Parish unit.
Presently, there are ten communities in the parish. The parishioners come from different backgrounds, yet they are treated equally by the pastors. The youth group is very vibrant. The different associations are cooperative and ever ready to contribute to the needs of the Parish. Due to the lockdown, no services are permitted by the Government; Masses are being celebrated and broadcast online. Despite the lockdown and the risk, the priests fulfil the urgent spiritual needs of the people. Without fail, the Church provides Ration aid every month and when needed, people are given Educational and Medical aid. All that happened from the year 1975 to 2021 would not have been possible without the support, prayer and guidance of each and every priest that was appointed here. They did not leave any stone unturned to make their parishioners’ dream come true. He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the assistant to Priest In charge of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra.
Mission musings
Venerable Agnelo’s 94th Death Anniversary Ven. Agnelo a model to experience the presence of Christ in our families Novena Day 1 11.11.2021
Theme: The Family: Rooted in Faith Vixoy: Bhavartant Riglolo Ghorabo
Novena Day 2 12.11.2021
Theme: Family: The Fruit of Self-Giving Vixoy: Ghorabo: Ap-tyagachem foll
Novena Day 3 13.11.2021
Theme: Family: Patience and Perseverance Vixoy: Ghorabeant Sosnnikay ani thirponn
Novena Day 4 14.11.2021
Theme: Family: The Gift of Forgiveness Vixoy: Ghorabo: Bhogsonneachem dennem
Novena Day 5 15.11.2021
Theme: Family: Forming the Children in the Light of Faith Vixoy: Ghorabo: Bhavartachea uzvaddan bhurgeanchi akarnni
Novena Day 6 16.11.2021
Theme: Family: Learn and Love the Elderly Vixoy: Ghorabeant: Zanttea sovem mogachi vagnnuk
Novena Day 7 17.11.2021
Theme: Family: The Cradle and Sanctuary of Life Vixoy: Ghorabo: Jivitachem mogachem mondir
Novena Day 8 18.11.2021
Theme: Family: Mutual Acceptance and Trust Vixoy: Ghorabo: Eka-mekacher visvas dovrun eka-mekak patiyeop
Novena Day 9 19.11.2021
Theme: World, a Human Family Vixoy: Sonvsar moniskullachi famil
20.11.2021
94th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo D’Souza Ven. Agnelo a model to experience the presence of Christ in our families Man. Agnel: Nomunno Kristachem assnem amchea Ghorabeant onbhovunk Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 21
Mission musings
Conversational Mission: A Person to Person Mission - Part II
BY Dr. Fr. Francis Carvalho, sfx
1. Introduction In the earlier instalment, I had touched upon the issue of the need of the Church, in a post-colonial era, to bring about a paradigmshift to the ‘territorial missions’, as described in the Decree Ad gentes (no. 6), and to adopt the ‘person to person mission’ as described by Pope Francis in his Evangelii Gaudium (no. 127). Among the diverse missionary activities of the Church viz. (i) first evangelization or mission ad gentes, (ii) pastoral work; (iii) and re-evangelization or new evangelization – Pope Francis 22 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
Among the diverse missionary activities of the Church viz. (i) first evangelization or mission ad gentes, (ii) pastoral work; (iii) and re-evangelization or new evangelization – Pope Francis has described the ‘person to person mission’ as the basic missionary activity of the Church has described the ‘person to person mission’ as the basic missionary activity of the Church, which is at the heart or core of all the missionary activities of the Church. This person to person mission’, as it has been explained earlier is what St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus, described as the conversational mission. In this paper I want to develop this basic missionary activity of the Church – as the conversational mission – as advocated by St. Ignatius of Loyola and as commented on by A. Paul Dominic s.j. in his book Can Good Still Come From Religious Life?,
Pauline Publications, Mumbai, 2015. 2. Conversational Mission: Spiritual Conversation In this section, I want to develop the issue of the conversational mission, as elaborated by the abovereferred author, as the spiritual conversation. Commenting on the genesis of conversional mission, the said author says that the movement of new mission when, in God’s providence, the Society of Jesus came into existence was still a product of person to person missions that Ignatius himself exercised. Having sensed the working of God within himself, he
Mission musings could not keep the experience to himself, but felt an urge to share it with others. Sharing with others his treasured experience of God gradually became a way of life for him. The famous beneficiaries of Ignatius’ conversational mission as spiritual conversation – besides those whom he chanced upon at his usual haunts at the chapel and hospital – were Pierre Faber (canonized a saint in 2013) and Francis Xavier (a long time saint) and a few others at the University in Paris, who with him came to found the Society of Jesus (cf. Paul Dominic, 81). 2.1. St. Francis Xavier: An Expert in Conversational Mission Elaborating on the above issue, the said author says that it is no wonder that people who experienced the charm of Ignatius’ conversational mission or spiritual conversation tried to be like him. It seems that the early Jesuits’ fecundity in mission was in no small way owing to their exercise of conversational mission or spiritual conversation. Francis Xavier, who blazed a trail of mission for the nascent Jesuit Order and for the Church of his day, was known for his extraordinary expertise in spiritual conversation. This extraordinary expertise of Francis Xavier was witnessed not only by his companion – Peter Canisius (canonized a saint in 1925) – but also by the people of Bologna (Italy) who could say, twenty-years after Francis Xavier’s short stay with them: “He spoke little, but with great persuasiveness. He talked of divine things with great devotion and his words penetrated into the hearts of his hearers and held them fast” (cf. Paul Dominic, 81-82). It is a pity, adds the said author, that those who have criticized Francis Xavier’s mission outreach, with their post-Vatican II historical hindsight, have woefully failed
Francis Xavier, who blazed a trail of mission for the nascent Jesuit Order and for the Church of his day, was known for his extraordinary expertise in spiritual conversation. the post-modern mission by their ignorance of the practical skill in which Francis Xavier excelled, namely, conversational mission – which, to be sure, will be outof-date only when humans cease speaking and relating to one another sociably (cf. Paul Dominic, 82). 2.2. Conversational Mission: Basically Human and Christian Mission Drawing from the above exposition we can simply affirm that the conversational mission is so basic to human communication that it can be out-of-date only when human beings cease speaking and relating to one another sociably. In short, we can, therefore, say that the conversational mission is basically human or a basic means of social communication among humans as social beings. However, as commented by Paul Dominic, the conversational mission, as promoted by Ignatius of Loyola, has a spiritual dimension – because a familial or social conversation may sometimes veer to spiritual things. While elaborating on the conversational mission – as a ‘kind of preaching’ – Ignatius of Loyola is said to have given, to his initial band of companions, an example of
his answer given to a dogmatic question of a Dominican preacher: ‘whatever do you preach? Ignatius of Loyola is said to have given the following answer: ‘We do not preach but do speak familiarly of spiritual things with people, as one does after dinner, with those who invite us’. In this seemingly ambiguous answer of Ignatius of Loyola to the Dominican preacher, adds the same author, we can discern and recognize three elements of conversational mission: (i) the conversation itself; (ii) a veering to spiritual matters; and (iii) a pleasant, familiar tone of voice. These elements demonstrate that conversational mission is indeed a mission of spiritual conversation – as distinct from preaching. By merely using theological terminology, like God, heaven, etc., one’s preaching does not become a spiritual conversation. The mission of spiritual conversation is characterized and distinguished as a pure and simple conversation. It has no agenda except being present to others and getting acquainted. One talks with a single individual or a small cluster – not a crowd. (cf. Paul Dominic, 82-83). 3. Conclusion By way of conclusion I want to say that the conversational mission advocated by Ignatius of Loyola, as a ‘kind of preaching’, seems to find an echo in Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium: ‘Today as the Church seeks to experience a profound missionary renewal, there is a kind of preaching which falls to each of us as daily responsibility’ (EG, 127). This conversational mission, therefore, can be carried out – as and where – one finds himself/ herself. More on this will be expounded in the next instalment. He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He has a Doctorate in Canon Law and is a visiting professor at Pilar Theological College, Goa.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 23
Mission musings
Bro. Peter D’Souza - A Missionary with a Difference
By Scholastic Rolson D’Souza, sfx
What persuaded you to choose the divine vocation of Brotherhood? It was in my big family, that I enjoyed the life of prayer and hard work. My God-fearing parents never failed me to make me realize how much Christ loved me. Besides, I also grew up in an atmosphere of devotion to Mother Mary and had enriching experiences. Gradually, I felt the divine call knocking on to me to join the seminary, but I had the number of challenges to do so. 24 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
Br. Peter D’Souza hails from Bambolim, Goa. He joined the brotherhood in the Society of Pilar in the year 1959. Ever since, as an ardent and versatile missionary, his contribution to the society has been immense for the last 58 years. His simple lifestyle and polite nature, inspire those who witness him. Here, we have his brief interview to rub off his rich-lived experience on us. Nevertheless, I can firmly say that it was Holy Spirit, who opened a window for me to seek admission into the Pilar seminary. What drew you to join the Society of Pilar? Well, when I was pursuing my SSC in the Capuchin school, I used to notice the Capuchin brothers in brown cassock working hard in the gardens and fields. Their
simple lifestyle and communitarian living captivated me to join them at the earliest. But incidentally, probably by God’s design, due to the unfavourable circumstance, I could not seek admission among the Capuchins. In due course, I was directed to the Pilar Society, there I said ‘yes’ to the missionary life and my dream came true. What are the places you toiled as a
Mission musings Pilar Missionary with some your appreciated expertise? I have worked in number of mission stations across the country, though relatively, I was in Nagar Haveli and Gujarat for a long time. I have also been a Bursar at the Major Seminary, Pilar. I have taken care of several farms of our Society in Goa. I have been a missionary at Agartala in Jharkhand, at Hissar in Haryana, been a pioneer at Narnaul in Rajasthan, worked at Bandra in Mumbai and eventually in Bangalore. With regard to my expertise, besides the ministerial course, I have specialized in mechanics, driving, farming, poultry keeping, and tailoring. How did you feel to work as a Brother and what were your strategies to evangelize? First of all, as a brother, I had a responsibility to assist the priest in administrating the sacraments to the flock. I used to be with the people identifying with them and I saw that they felt at ease with me. Thus, I could motivate them to pray amidst their hustle and bustle of life. My key strategy was to evangelize people through narrating stories of Jesus from the Bible and teaching the basic catechism to the people. As a boarding in-charge, I used to conduct prayers sessions and give points for meditation on the Word of God. At the farm, nonChristians were in majority, where
I have worked in number of mission stations across the country, though relatively, I was in Nagar Haveli and Gujarat for a long time. I could yet tell stories from the Scriptures. If you could narrate any memorable event or incident. In the mission of Dappada, we had a goat rearing farm. I had a special task to look after around 50 goats. They lived in an enclosed elevated bamboo floor under a thatched roof. As a result, yet times the legs of the goats used to get trapped between the bamboos and I used to offer them first aid. Unlike other days, one winter midnight, there was an unusual bleating of the goats, as I rushed to see, to my shock I found a thief breaking into the house. I immediately managed to catch hold of him by wrapping thick blanket around him and alarmed the neighbours. That was truly an unforgettable night to me.
Could share some of your challenges faced in the Mission? When I went as a pioneer missionary along with Fr. Jesuino Almeida at Narnaul, a staunch Hindu village in Rajasthan, we were told that once - even a Bishop was denied to enter the village. But we somehow managed to live in a rented house and cautiously fostered friendship with the people. I felt that those were the most challenging days of my missionary life. If you could share some of your greatest moments of joy and delight. I was a well-known driver in the society, from tractor to tiller, truck to tempo, bus to car I loved driving the vehicles. I remember the days that I drove trucks of load to supply all the materials for the construction of Pilar Press, Animation Centre, Theological college, and for the huge tank in the seminary. Above all, I had the unique delight in driving the Superior Generals to various mission stations on car for their general visitations. What would you suggest to a young aspirant who wishes to be a Pilar Missionary? I would advise one to read the Bible every day without failure even it is for 5 minutes, and to be faithful to prayer life. It is also important to pray for the poor and marginalized and to keep up hope till the end; especially at the times of obstacles and adversities. Never to forget, to give to God, what belongs to God and to the neighbour what belongs to the neighbour and to keep things only that belongs to one.
He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Third Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 25
SPIRITUALITY
The Life of Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych Josaphat was born in Ukraine, in 1580. He belonged to the Eastern rite church of Kyiv (Ukraine). His real name was John Kuncevic; after His profession of faith, he took the name Josaphat).
St. Josaphat Kuntsevych is a great example for all of us, especially in modern times of war and destruction. BY Scholastic velroy D’mello, SFX
J
osaphat was born in Ukraine, in 1580. He belonged to the Eastern rite church of Kyiv (Ukraine). His real name was John Kuncevic; after His profession of faith, he took the name Josaphat). When John was a child, his mother told him stories of saints of the church. He was very fascinated to know about their lives. When he was yet small, he experienced the power of Jesus and the suffering of Jesus; he stored it in his heart. Thus, he had a great desire to suffer and die for Christ. The Bishop of Ukraine and Byelorussian churches took the beautiful step of living in unity. At that time, Josaphat was fifteen years old. Josaphat joined the Basilian Monastery. In 1609, Josaphat was ordained a priest and preached the word of God, guiding others through spiritual direction and 26 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
charitable works. The Orthodox Churches were not willing to be in communion with the Pope. Thus, there was anger among the Orthodox people. Josaphat wanted to bring all the Orthodox Churches to be in communion to the Pope. Before dying as a martyr, Josaphat said, “I rejoice to offer my life for my Holy Catholic Faith.” Thus, he was ready to die. When a group of people, who were against the union with the Pope, came to kill Him, he was quiet and addressed the people very calmly. But two people from the group hit his head with an axe, shot him, took off his clothes, gave his body to the wild dogs and finally tied rocks around him and threw him into the river. But this great martyrdom did not stop the faith; instead, the death of Josaphat helped the growth of the church. In May 1643, almost twenty years later, he was
declared “Blessed” by Pope Urban VIII. Pope Pius IX canonized him on November 12, 1923. He declared St. Josaphat Kuntesvych as the heavenly patron of Reunion between Orthodox and Catholics. He was buried at the altar of St. Basil in St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Josaphat Kuntsevych is a great example for all of us, especially in modern times of war and destruction. His life encourages each one of us to build bridges instead of walls, starting in our own families. It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. It is easy to hate our enemies but difficult to love our enemies. It is up to each one of us, what we should choose in our life. Our Lord Jesus came to this earth taking the form of a human being. He suffered, died and rose again to bring salvation to all. He opened up heaven, he built a bridge for us to enter the heavenly Kingdom and He shared the unconditional love of God the Father with all human beings, by washing our sins with His blood. Thus, if God is so loving and merciful, why do we as human beings have to build walls instead of bridges, promote hatred instead of love? Let us ask the grace of God to help us to grow in the values of St. Josaphat Kuntsevych, to bring unity where there are divisions. He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Third Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa
SPIRITUALITY
Selfless service stems from Humility
by Fr. Santosh Mendonca, SFX
Lectio (Phil 2,3-4): Our passage for reflection from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2,3-4 is a gentle reminder for us, followers of Christ, to gird ourselves to serve our Lord and our neighbour with selfless love which stems from humility. St. Paul’s fatherly exhortation, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility,” which behoved the Church at Philippi to set their eyes on Christ, the perfect example of selfless service (see 2,6-11), is a call of us too. The two “don’t” indicate that Paul knows what is going on in the Church at Philippi. The first prohibition, “selfish ambition” or “rivalry,” was used in 1,17 to describe those in the Roman community who are preaching Christ out of envy, supposing thereby to give Paul grief. Significantly, the “selfish ambition” of the envious was explicitly contrasted to those who preach Christ out of “love” (1,16). “Selfish ambition” stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest at the expense of others primarily dictates values and behaviour. People with such a “mind-set” not only stand over
against the apostle, their dear friend, but also over against God, whose Son fully displayed God’s character when he took on a servant’s role (cf. 2,7). The second prohibition, “vain conceit” (lit., “empty glory”), denotes that kind of “empty glory” that only the selfblessed can bestow on themselves. This word occurs throughout the Greco-Roman world to describe those who think too highly of themselves, not those who might appear to have grounds for “glory,” but those whose “glory” is altogether baseless. Paul well understands that if these attitudes are allowed to continue unchecked, the believing community in Philippi is headed for serious trouble. To avoid a faith-crises, Paul puts forward the mind-set of Christ: who as God did the antithesis of “selfish ambition” by pouring himself out and becoming a servant, and as man the antithesis of “vain conceit,” by humbling himself unto death on a cross. Meditatio: “Humility” is a uniquely Christian virtue, which, as with the message of a crucified Messiah, stands in utter contradiction to the values of the Greco-Roman world, which generally considered humility not a virtue, but a shortcoming. In the OT, the term indicates “lowliness,” the truly humble show themselves so by resting their case with God rather than trusting their own strength and machinations. Humility is not to be confused with false modesty, rather, it has to do with a proper
estimation of oneself, the stance of the creature before the Creator, utterly dependent and trusting. Here one is well aware both of one’s weaknesses and of one’s glory but makes neither too much nor too little of either. True humility is therefore not self-focused at all, but rather, as further defined by Paul in v. 4, “looks not to one’s own concerns but to those of others.” Thus, over against doing anything on the basis of “selfish ambition” or “vain conceit,” the Philippians, we likewise, are to have the same love for one another as God in Christ has for His flock, which will find its ultimate expression when “in humility” you “consider each other better than yourselves.” Ven. Agnelo in his earthly life as a pastor always sought the good of his flock with selfless service, which sprung from his austere and humble life of prayer and sacrifice. His undeterred dedication for the Kingdom of God enthused him to serve the poor and needy, a call which we are all called to share. Oratio: Lord Jesus, you bore the weight of our sin and shame with selfless love and utter humility to the will of your Heavenly Father. Give me the grace to walk with a selfless heart for the service of you and my neighbour. Actio: Seek an opportunity to assist a brother/sister in need. He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is pursuing his Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy.
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SPIRITUALITY
“Santo Subito” – “Sainthood Soon” BY Fr. tony fernandes, SFX
“What do we, the devotees of Fr. Agnelo, want?” “Sainthood to be declared on our beloved, Ven. Agnelo, son of the soil and fruit of our faith” “When do we want it?” “As soon as possible, because we have waited for 94 long years!” In March 2005, as Pope John Paul II (now St. John Paul II) lay dying, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square outside the papal apartments in Vatican City. They prayed, they waited and when he died on April 2nd, they held up signs proclaiming “Santo subito” meaning “saint immediately” or more colloquially in Italian, sainthood now (soon). This was the accepted way of MAKING SAINTS, by popular declaration, until the 10th century. Some may recall the popular banners of the sixties and seventies of “Peace Now” and “Make Love, Not War” or the more recent ones in India: “Squash the Farmers Laws”, in Goa: “Bhumiputra Bill Hatao”. While the process of canonization, the formal recognition of “Santo Subito”, is now a lengthy process overseen by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, this was 28 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021
not always the case. The first recorded canonization was by Pope John XV who canonized St. Ulrich of Augsburg in 993. A few centuries later, in 1234, Pope Gregory IX ordered the process of canonization to be placed under the auspices of the Bishop
of Rome, so that no one could be called a saint unless the pope had declared him/her as such. In 1588, Pope Sixtus V founded the Sacred Congregation for Rites. Pope Paul VI in 1969 bifurcated this Congregation, into the Divine Cult and Discipline of Sacraments
SPIRITUALITY and Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The next step to the Process was given by John Paul II in 1983 with his Apostolic constitution, “Divinus Perfectionis Magister” (Divine Teacher and Model of Perfection). Finally, the duty of publishing the particular norms to help the Local Bishops in the causes of Saints was entrusted to the Congregation for Causes of Saints, in the form of Normae Servandae…in the same year. After the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution and the Normae servandae, the Congregation, in the light of its experience, published the present instruction, approved by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, called “Instruction Sanctorum Mater” in order to facilitate a closer collaboration in the Causes of Saints between the Holy See and the Bishops. Prior to that, as mentioned above, sainthood was determined much more informally and most often it began with a popular outcry just like the one I mentioned at the very beginning “Santo subito”, known as “vox populi” or “the voice of the people is the voice of God”. No banners, perhaps and certainly no megaphones, but the idea was the same: popular outcry. Contemporary people who lived at the time of the saint in the making, first saw and heard about the goodness of a holy person while he/she was alive and had come to hear him/her, they even spoke to them. When these holy people died, people came to their graves to pray and even seek miracles. Surely, many miracles did take place, some even taking mud from the grave and in great faith, mixing this mud in water and drinking it. There have been reports of innumerable healings after doing so. This is what is called “fama della sanctita’” (fame of saintliness). Those who received favours due to their personal faith in the intercessory power of that
Ven. Agnelo, our santo subito in the hearts of all Goans, died on November 20, 1927. dead saintly person, will surely speak of them as saints. Thus, the flame along with the fire spreads and continues to spread; then comes the outburst, “santo subito, santo subito, santo subito”. It is the people first who notice the holiness of a person. The “fame of sanctity”, springing up from the grass roots, has always been taken as a sign of God’s presence, of the Holy Spirit moving through and working in the Church. During the first 1,200 years of the Church, this “sense of the faithful” guided the selection of recognized saints. From the Apostles who had walked with Jesus, to saints like St. Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 and was canonized in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX, it was the fame and popularity among the faithful that contributed to their canonization. Ven. Agnelo, our santo subito in the hearts of all Goans, died on November 20, 1927. Since then, 94 years have passed; the process is still going on at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Let us together storm heaven for our beloved son of the soil, who served the Church of Goa throughout his priestly life and very especially during the last ten years of his life as the Spiritual Director to the many diocesan seminarians at Rachol, equipping them to be holy, dedicated and loving pastors. Almost all of them considered him to be a ‘living saint’ and must have surely exclaimed “santo subito Padre Agnelo”. Fr. Manuel, Parish
priest of Rachol, filled with faith and with great assurance said to the then Superior Msgr. Lucio Vaz, “Fr. Agnel is already in heaven”. After having celebrated the last rites at his burial, Fr. Manuel Albuquerque is said to have told the crowd, “I have buried a saint in my cemetery”. Even in recent times, a senior diocesan priest, Fr. Jose Antonio Almeida, now at the clergy home Margao, tells me each time I visit him “Mhozo sant ekloch ani to Padr Agnel” (“My saint is only Fr. Agnel”), “Hanv tachem painol mhojea uxea pondak galun nidta” (“I keep his frame under the pillow I sleep on.”) Soon after his death, the cemetery was transformed into a pilgrimage centre. Those who could not arrive in time for the funeral, came to pay their homage to their “living saint” on the following day. Their faith made many pray for their various needs through the intercession of Fr Agnel. Spontaneously the fame of his sanctity and intercessory power started spreading like fire, many even started carrying away portions of mud from his grave, which, when administered to the sick, brought them healing. That is how Fr. Agnelo became a household name in Goa. Soon his fame and name spread even beyond Goa and India. Today his death anniversary is remembered and celebrated by thousands who come together in simple solemnity, either to pray through his intercession or to thank God for the innumerable favours received through this yetto-be canonized saint. Rightly, the people of Goa and his devotees all over, even after 94 years of his death, keep pleading with God through the Church: “Santo subito”! He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Vice-Postulator for the cause of Ven. Agnelo de Souza, Goa.
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PADRE AGNEL
His Body was Angelic...
by Br. Eusebio Miranda, Sfx
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e should always remember that this earthly journey of ours will end with our death. Therefore, it is necessary to visualize death each and every day of our life. None of us knows the time, the day and the year this earthly journey of ours will come to an end. So it is of utmost importance that we are always prepared for it. Often Fr. Agnelo reflected on death and suggested to others to also do likewise. Time will come and this tent of ours which is of mortal nature will one day collapse. Fr. Agnelo remarked “Our life is like a flower. A flower opens and blooms to its fullest and then withers away. But our life does not come to an end; it enters or changes into eternal life … we resurrect. We are servants of God. So the psalmist says “You will not permit your servant to decay in the grave.” I have read that at the time of burial of Fr. Agnelo’s holy body according to the traditions of the time, Msgr. Lucio Vas had asked to put additional lime into his coffin. Those who heard these words and specially students of Fr. Agnelo, found it extremely difficult to accept. His students sharply reacted to this. They knew very well that their spiritual teacher was a very holy person with a clean and chaste heart. They closely knew him and had an experience of his pious life. But may be Msgr. Lucio believed
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They believed that his body was like that of Heavenly Angels. Such was the high opinion of the seminarians about their spiritual teacher! that the body of Fr. Agnelo would remain without decomposing. And no one also tried to understand why Msgr. Lucio had asked to use additional lime for the burial of his body. But the seminarians at the Rachol seminary believed that the body of Fr. Agnelo would remain without decaying or decomposing. So they remarked “Even if lime is used at the time of burial, his body will not decompose because it is not a simple body; but it’s a body of a person who has lived a holy life. It is become clean by repentance and penance. It is in union with Jesus.” They believed that his body was like that of Heavenly Angels. Such was the high opinion of the seminarians about their spiritual teacher! Every day, they used to observe that their teacher was a holy man and his heart used to burn with ardent love of God. As is life, so is death. It is not necessary to explain in words how good a person is but his life itself talks volumes about that person. Same was the case with Fr. Agnelo. All those who have seen him and lived
with him give testimony to this. Fr. Agnelo’s companion and a senior member of the Society of Pilar who brought about the reorganization of the Society, Respected Superior Fr. Remedios do Rosario Gomes knew very well that Fr. Agnelo was a very holy man. He believed that Fr. Agnelo’s body would be found intact at the time of digging of the grave. He thought that eleven years after his death they would find his body undecomposed in the grave. And as told by Bro. Alleluia da Costa, a member of the Society of Pilar, it was for this reason that the Superior Fr. Remedios do Rosario Gomes had taken with him a coffin when he went to open up the grave of Fr. Agnelo at Rachol Seminary on 10th January in the year 1939. But, after digging the grave, only his bones and the cross which he was given on taking the religious vows of the Society that was placed on his chest were found. The coffin that was taken to place his body was used to put his bones and was brought to Pilar and the cross was kept at Rachol Seminary. Once Fr. Agnelo had remarked “There is respect even to the bones of the holy people.” To be holy, there is no need that the body should remain without decomposing. But we should know that the people who live a virtuous life are with saints. The life of Ven. Fr. Agnelo is a shining example of his virtuous life. He is a saint in life as well as in death. Translation credit: Golda Gracias He is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Editor of Vauradeancho Ixtt, a weekly Konkani Newspaper, Pilar-Goa.
PADRE AGNEL
Venerable Agnelo
Our great intercessor before God Renny (Caranzalem): My sister suffered from Covid 19 infection when she was seven months pregnant and she faced numerous complications. The fluid in her uterus was slowly decreasing. Many tests were carried out which showed that the child in the womb was doing well. The only problem was that the amniotic fluid in the uterus was decreasing. As there was lockdown, we could not go to Pilar. So we phoned and requested Pilar Fathers to pray for her. Father asked us to start Fr. Agnelo’s novenas with true faith in our hearts. And from that day, we began the novenas. Ven. Fr. Agnelo came to our aid. The fluid in the uterus started increasing and she is doing well. Now, we pray God grant her a safe delivery. Maria M. Fernandes (Taleigao): I live in U.K. but I was not having a job because of the prevailing Covid-19 conditions. At this crucial time, I earnestly prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. And truly, I was blessed with a job. Our marriage was fixed for December 2020. But due to the pandemic, we were unable to come to Goa. We were continuously praying and asking Fr. Agnelo for his assistance in this great turmoil. With God’s grace, we got married in February 2021. My sincere thanks to Fr. Agnelo and may God honour him with the crown of sainthood.
Cruz Silveira (Goa-Velha): Two years back, I was passing blood in my urine. At that time, I was in U.K. Inspire of consulting a doctor and taking the treatment, I had no relief. After seven days as the same problem recurred, I was advised to go to a specialty hospital. There too I took treatment but it was of no avail. Later I came to Goa and consulted a doctor in Margao and he prescribed some medication. After that I came to Pilar and ardently prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. I also took home some relic mud. Whenever I was taking the medicines, I was also drinking the relic mud with great faith. I was continuously asking Fr. Agnelo to intercede for me. God heard my prayers. Now I have completely recovered. I am very grateful to Fr. Agnelo and may the Holy Mother the Church proclaim him a saint very soon. Rosy Branganza (Agassaim): I was abroad. As I was affected by Covid-19, I remained for a long period in the house. As a result of this, my legs became stiff. I started getting pain and could not walk. At this crucial time, I sincerely prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. I pleaded with God to relieve me from this terrible pain and take me back to my home in Goa. Fr. Agnelo came to my aid. I safely reached Goa, where I consulted a doctor and started
taking medication. All this time, I was unceasingly praying through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. Now I am completely healed. I thank Fr. Agnelo and may he soon attain the honour of the altar. Avina D’Souza (U.K.): I reside in U.K. During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes. This was a matter of great concern and worry for me. At this time, I fervently prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. And my prayers were answered. On18th December, I was blessed with a healthy baby boy. I sincerely thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo for answering my prayers. Translation credit: Golda Gracias Prayer to obtain favours through Ven. Fr. Agnelo
Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, we gratefully acknowledge your plan for our salvation, even by working miracles through your chosen servant. We thank you for giving us your faithful servant, Fr. Agnelo, as an example of how to follow in the steps of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. With our whole heart, we pray that you may lead us through your Spirit to imitate his saintly life. Grant us also the favour we ask (mention the favour) as a sign that he now shares in the glory of our Risen Lord.
Prayer for the Canonization of Ven. Fr. Agnelo
O God of infinite mercy, we humbly prostrate at Your feet, we beg of You, with whole hearted trust, that if it be Your Holy Will, and if it serves our salvation, grant Fr. Agnelo the honours of the Altar through the solemn declaration of Our Provident Mother, the Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Miraculous favours obtained through his intercession may kindly be reported to: Vice-Postulator, Cause of Fr. Agnelo, Pilar Monastery, Pilar, Goa - India. 403 203 Mob.: 9322038791 Email: vpagnel@rediffmail.com
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PILAR NEWS
Vocation Sunday Celebrated
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o create awareness about vocation to the priesthood and religious life, the Vocation Team of the Society of Pilar organised several programs on the 19th of September celebrated as Vocation Sunday in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Fr. Joseph Fernandes, the Vocation Director along with Fr. Melito D’Souza the Asst. Vocation Director celebrated the morning Eucharist at Our Lady of Livra Febres Church, in Consua village. Fr. Melito, in his homily, reminded the congregation of the vital role that the families are playing in the life of the youth in nurturing vocation to the priesthood. After the mass, the Vocation Team had games, actions songs and talks for 32 confirmation students of the parish and enabled them to understand the call of God in their lives. In the second half of the day
a friendly football match was held in Arambol between Morjim Altar Servers and Fr. Agnel Minor Seminary, Pilar. Both the teams played to their strengths. Fr. Agnel Minor Seminary, Pilar had the better of Morjim Altar Servers and won the match 2-1. Fr. Roland Lin Fernandes, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Arambol and the Dean of Pernem Deanery was the Chief guest. In his message he highlighted the need for fostering vocations to the
priesthood for the Archdioceses of Goa and for the Society of Pilar. The football match was organized by Pilar Vocation Team and Fr. Francisco Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Church, Morjim. As part of the vocation Sunday celebration, the Pilar Vocation Team created a video which was telecast on CCRTV on 21 September. Through such events God will continue to send more labourers in His vineyard.
Mary, a contemplative of the Face of Christ - Fr. Romeo Monteiro
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r. Romeo Monteiro, the chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa, presided over the feast mass of Our Lady of Pilar celebrated on 12 August in the Pilar Monastery Church. In his homily he said Mary was a contemplative of the face of Christ. He encouraged the members of the Society, to be contemplatives of the Word of God and to gaze upon the life of Jesus in order to make Him the touchstone of our missionary life. The feast day was preceded by nine days of novena to our Blessed Virgin Mary. Each of the days was dedicated to contemplate upon the life of Mary and her spouse Joseph. The themes were based on the Apostolic Letter
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‘Patres Corde’ issued by Pope Francis. On the eve of the feast day, a devotional and traditional procession was held from the Minor Seminary, Batim to Pilar Monastery. The incessant prayers prayed with the lanterns and beads in hand along the well-furbished road reflected the profound love and reverence to Mary. Due to Covid restrictions, the people around the hillock participated from their homes. Fr Ligorinho D’Costa, the parish priest of Loutolim Church, presided at the vespers. He reminded the congregation to take prayer as the weapon for living a holy life. On the feast day, in the evening, the traditional volleyball
match was played between the Pilar Fathers and Scholastics, at which Scholastics emerged triumphant. In the exhibition match between the Pre-Novices and Minor seminarians, the latter raised the trophy. It was indeed a joyous occasion for all to unite and recreate as one Pilar Family.
PILAR NEWS
Bishop Alex Dias Ordains 19 young men to the diaconate
Front Row: Inacio D’Souza, Nelson Rebeiro, Nelson Rodrigues, Peter Raja, Suman Indwar, Vijay Linda, Xavier Soreng; Second Row: Selvan Maria, Venito Colaco, Jackson Lawrence, Parel Fernandes, McSteein Oliveira; Third Row: Jaison D’Souza, Leonray De Mello, Maflin Lobo, Nevil Fernandes; Back Row: Clinton Fernandes, Fr Sebastiao Mascarenhas, Bishop Alex Dias, Fr Peter Mello Fernandes, Stalin, Eric Mascarenhas
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ineteen Scholastics, belonging to the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, (Society of Pilar), were ordained deacons on the 3rd of October 2021 by His Excellency Most Rev. Aleixo Dias, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair. The rite of the diaconate ordination was held in the chapel of the Mission Seminary, Pilar, Goa with all the COVID-19 safety protocols. “Diaconia or Service should be your watchword throughout your lives. Whether you are going to be deacons, priests or bishops; you are called to serve” said Bishop Alex, the first prelate from the Society of Pilar and of the Diocese of Port Blair. He further said, “having reached the diaconate, you brothers will be having this impression that you have reached the end
of your rowing, and that you are getting close to the goal that you have set for yourself, and the Lord Jesus set for you - the goal of your priesthood. However, you are not to stop rowing, you are not to rest on the oars, you are to keep on rowing”. Reflecting upon the Word of God, he said that the disciples did not understand that their master and Lord could be washing their feet as such a thing was the task of slaves and servants. He prodded the to-be-deacons to understand what Jesus did when he washed the feet of his disciples. He called them to have the image of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples throughout their life. The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, popularly known as Society of Pilar, was founded in 1887 in Goa. It is an
Indigenous Society and works in 31 dioceses in India and 9 dioceses abroad. The 19 deacons come from 18 different parishes belonging to 9 different dioceses/archdioceses of India –Udupi, Karwar, Mangalore, Gumla, Port Blair, Dharmapuri, Palayamkottai, Ranchi, Goa and Daman. Speaking on the occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas sfx, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, said that today is an ecclesial event as 19 young men are called to serve Christ and are configured to Christ. He said that the Society of Pilar is spread all over and it is not just a Goan society. It is the society of the church. He called upon the Deacons to be true and genuine, self-sacrificing and compassionate Servants in the mission of Christ. Fr. Agnel’s Call | November 2021 | 33
PILAR NEWS
Fr. Ransom releases ‘Praying for the Earth’
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r. Ransom Pereira, a member of the Society of Pilar based in Austria, released his latest Music Album, ‘Praying for the Earth’ on 10 October 2021 on the Harvest Festival Day in the Holy Family Parish Church, Steyr, Austria. According to him the Music Album was one of the projects related to the Parish Pastoral Theme – ‘Protect our Nature’. The composing and the recording of the songs was done during the lockdown amidst the Corona pandemic. The Album has 12 songs, out of which 7 songs are in German and the rest in English. The songs are sung by Fr. Ransom, the altar servers and youth of the parish. Fr. Ransom is a gifted musician and composed songs from the time he joined the Pilar Seminary. In the year 2000, he released his first music album titled ‘The Galilean’ – a Man for all seasons. This album
was a compilation of his songs composed during his life in the seminary. In 2004, he released ‘Jesus, the Champion’, his second album. In 2016, together with the parish youth in Steyr, Austria, he released his third music album – ‘Rock with Jesus’. The songs were composed in English and German
in pop, rock and jazz style. ‘Christmas Blessing’, his fourth music album was released in 2017 during a benefit concert in Steyr, Autria. It was Christmas Song Album with songs in English and German. Fr. Ransom says that his songs are catchy and easy to learn and to appeal to the younger generation.
Fr. General Inaugurates New Church in Chiraiya, Jharkhand
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ev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, inaugurated the New Church in Chiraiya, Jharkhand on October 10, 2021. Later, at a Solemn Eucharist concelebrated by 40 priests, it was blessed and canonically erected as a parish by Most Rev. Felix Toppo SJ, (Archbishop of Ranchi). Most Rev. Theodore Mascarehnas sfx, (Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi), Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarehnas sfx, Rev. Fr. Attley Gomes, sfx (Provincial Superior). Thousands of people joined in, giving thanks to God. Rev. Fr. Rafael Lobo was appointed as its first parish priest. On the same day, the School and Presbytery were also blessed and inaugurated. The Mission school was inaugurated and blessed by Fr.
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Linus Pingal Ekka (Administrator of Gumla Diocese) and Fr. Alexcius Kindo sfx (Local Superior). It was followed by blessing and inauguration of Presbytery by Bishop Theodore Mascarehnas
sfx and Fr. Taumaturgo Pais sfx. This was followed by a cultural programme, a meal and a word of appreciation to all those who contributed towards setting up the new mission.