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Friends of Venerable Fr. Agnelo (UK)

Working for the cause of the Beatification in the UK for 25 years (1989 - 2014)

Silver Jubilee Edition

Messages

Of

Support

Collection of Letters and Messages received from supporters.

May it be an inspiration to us all to continue

in our Prayers and Work towards the Beatification Process

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Dear Friends of the Venerable Fr. Agnelo,

I would like first of all to congratulate you on this important milestone in your history - the silver jubilee of your foundation. It is wonderful to see how the association has grown and developed over the last twenty five years. Secondly, I would like to thank all of you for all the great work you have done in our parishes here in London helping people be aware of the great witness to Christ that Fr. Agnelo gave in his life and the various ways you have embodied his spirit of prayer, penance and good works. Finally, I join with in thanking god for the gift of Fr. Agnelo's unstinting devotion to Christ and the Church. He continues to be an inspiration to all of us.

With every good wish and blessing,

+ Bishop Patrick Lynch SS.CC.

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A Message from Bishop Howard Tripp

On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Founding in the United Kingdom of the Association of the Friends of the

Venerable Father Agnelo SFX

I send my greetings to the members of the Association of the Friends of

the Venerable Father Agnelo established here in the United Kingdom twenty

five years ago.

I have been aware of the inspiration that many people draw from their

knowledge and love of Father Agnelo. The example of his life encourages

them to be loyal members of the Catholic Church striving to lead good and

holy lives. His work as a devoted priest preaching missions continues to

have its effects even today among those devoted to him.

It is hardly surprising that they hope and pray for his Beatification and

Canonisation, which would signify the Church’s approval of his life and work,

which they find is still guiding them in their prayers and efforts to live good

Christian lives.

The readers of the magazine called “Contact” will be encouraged by the

articles on the life and works of this exemplary priest. His spirit inspires

those who gather at centres to pray for his beatification. They know how he

inspires in their homes prayers and family life, and how his example

challenges the young to discern their vocations.

+ Howard Tripp

Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark Emeritus

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I am very happy to learn that this year the Association of Friends of Ven. Fr. Agnelo (AFFA) is completing twenty years of its birth. It is a matter of great joy that, what began as a small seed in 1989, with the support of the Society of Pilar especially with the then Superior General, Rev. Fr. Galdino Monteiro, late Fr. Sergio Mascarenhas, sfx, the then Vice-Postulator and Fr. Francis Carvalho, sfx who was assisting the Asian Chaplaincy in the U.K., has grown into a strong Association. I had the opportunity of meeting the enthusiastic band of members of the Association on different occasions. Last year in November, when I was present for the celebration of the Day of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, and for the meeting of the members in the evening, I could see the commitment and dedication on the part of the members to this great cause of promoting the Devotion of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, and finally seeing that he receives the crown of sainthood. On this happy occasion, I send my warm wishes and congratulations to each and every member of the Association. May this Silver Jubilee give an impetus to work with greater enthusiasm and dedication for the spread of Fr. Agnelo’s devotion and to further the Cause of his Canonization, and may the Association reach to greater heights in the years to come. With warm wishes and with assurance of my prayers, Fr. Hilario Fernandes, sfx Vice-Postulator.

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Dear Rev. Fr. Lucas Rodrigues sfx & members of the Association of Friends of Ven. Fr. Agnelo

Warm Greetings to each one of you from the Holy City of Rome!

I am very happy to know that you are bringing out a special souvenir to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Foundation of the organization of the Association of Friends of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, in England.

I have had the opportunity to know the members of this association when I first took over as the Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Ven. Agnelo in the year 2003, which coincided to be the Platinum Jubilee of the death of Ven. Agnelo. How vibrantly the members had helped me to arrange advertisements for the Souvenir for that occasion. Then I was also very fortunate to be the resource person of the seminar for the members of the governing body of this association, organised by Fr. Lucas along with Fr. Rosario Rosario, in London, in the year 2007. I recall with nostalgia the solemn mass in the same year organised by the association to mark the 80th Death Anniversary of Ven. Agnelo. Please excuse if I make a mention of three persons who for me are the pillars of this association, one is our late Fr. Sergio Mascarenhas who was the main brain of this association; the other two are Deacon Braz and Ms Nina Pinto. I salute Fr. Sergio for all that he did for the association and for the Cause and my hats off to the all the lay Pillars of the association.

I also must appreciate with sincere gratitude all the financial help that the association continuously renders not only to further the Cause but also for the seminarians and for the missions.

Above all, it will be a great omission if I fail to appreciate the commitment, the zeal of each and every member working towards this sublime Cause. I have also seen the eagerness and the anxiety of the members with which you all long for the day when our dream of seeing Ven. Agnelo on our altars will be realized. The only repeated question that each one of you kept asking, “when will the Church declare Fr. Agnelo a saint?” My answer to you then was and also now continues to be, “let us strive to do our best to do what we can, and in His time, it will be done”. Let us imbibe by the values of Fr. Agnelo, to emulate his saintly life. That is the purpose, why the Church requires saints and declares them so. They are not declared saints for themselves, they do not require it, but it is for us to learn from their lives, how they have walked the talk of the Gospel.

Wishing you all the best for the occasion and imploring God’s blessings, through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, on each one of the members of the Association and your families.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Fr. Tony Savio Fernandes sfx

(Ex-Vice Postulator)

22nd October 2014, Rome

Ex-Vice-

Postulator

Rev. Fr

Tony

Fernandes

delivering

Homily

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The saints walk the road less travelled by others and make the difference from the known to the unknown.

It gives me great joy and happiness to learn that the Association of the Friends of Ven. Agnelo (UK) is celebrating the Silver Jubilee of its foundation this year. On this occasion I send my prayerful good wishes and congratulations.

It was in the year 1989 that due to the tireless efforts and farsighted vision of the members of the Society of Pilar, Goa, especially its then Superior General Rev Fr Galdino Monteiro, the then vice-postulator late Rev Fr Sergio Mascarenhas with much help from Fr Francis Carvalho that this association came into being to make Fr Agnelo known far and wide and to further the Cause of its beautification through prayers and activities. Since then the Association has grown and now has Prayer Centre’s spread in different parts of the UK. I earnestly hope that all those who come in contact with this association may emulate his saintly qualities and pray for his cause of sainthood.

I implore the Almighty’s blessings on your celebrations and may it touch the hearts and lives of the people and transform them into bearers of peace and harmony in our society.

Fr Fredrick Rodrigues

General Councilor, Society of Pilar

In charge of Foreign Units.

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ASSOCIATION OF THE FRIENDS OF

VEN FATHER AGNELO U K - (since 1989)

In historical context the concept of setting up a Prayer Group in London had probably been germinating and sprouting among the upper echelons of 'THE PILAR SOCIETY' for about two years before Pilar

decided to sanction approval of a proposal submitted by the (late) Luis Mascarenhas and Felix de Souza. This approval came in a letter dated April 3, 1987 from Fr. Jesuino Almeida, Superior General at

Pilar, addressed to Mr Luis Mascarenhas and to Mr Felix de Souza in London. Further support and

encouragement came from Fr Sergio Mascarenhas, Vice Postulator at Pilar, in his letter to Felix, dated 28 April 1987. In June 1989 Rev Fr Galdino Monteiro, Superior General at Pilar on a visit to London

galvanised a group of Goans to action by delegating Felix and Luis to launch a Crusade of prayers for the

'Cause of the Beatification of Ven. Father Agnelo de Souza'.

The death anniversary of The Venerable was due in a few months and with strong support from Rev Fr

Sergio Mascarenhas and Father Francis Carvalho, the London-based Pilar Representative, (current Superior General at Pilar), the first Novena Mass was held at St Gregory's Church, Earlsfield, London on

26 November 1989 to celebrate the 62nd death anniversary of Ven. Father Agnelo.

After the Mass, a meeting was held to adopt a name and elect a working Committee. The name ' FRIENDS

OF VEN FATHER AGNELO DE SOUZA was adopted and agreed, and a Committee was duly elected

with Felix de Souza as newly appointed first Chairman, to promote the cause of Ven. Father Agnelo's Beatification. The Constitution and Rules were also drawn up and adopted. With valuable help from the

Pilar Fathers in England, the past 25 years have witnessed exponential growth in Prayer Groups and prayer campaigns. Area Representatives (group leaders) - in Tooting, Cranford, Haringey, Slough, Manor

Park, Milton Keynes, Brighton, Welling, Swindon, Reading, Leicester and Croydon - organise Novena

Masses from February to October leading to the Annual Commemoration Mass in November.

ALL donations from the devotees given towards The Beatification Fund and The Seminarian Fund are

handed over to the Treasurer without any deduction for administration purposes.

The Prayer Campaign continues, and must continue to grow.

When all is said and done, it is God and God alone who can honour and glorify His humble servant Ven. Father Agnelo de Souza. So be it!

(Quote in italics from ' SECRETS TO SHARE ' by Fr. Aloysius Rego).

By Jovito Dias , Chairman

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On behalf of the Goan community and the board of directors of the Goan Association (UK), I

would like to convey my heartiest congratulations to the Association of Friends of Ven. Fr

Agnelo (AFFA) UK on the Silver Jubilee of their foundation. Established in 1989 through the

efforts and far-sighted vision of the members of the Pilar Society (Goa), especially Rev. Fr.

Galdino Monteiro, late Rev. Fr. Sergio Mascarenhas and Rev. Fr. Francis Carvalho, the

association has carried out commendable work towards Ven. Fr. Agnelo’s beatification through

prayers and associated activities.

Fr. Agnelo Gustavo Adolfo de Souza was born in a pious, educated and respected Goan family.

He lost both his parents at a very early age. He was influenced by the teachings of his mother

and followed in the footsteps of his eldest brother, Fr. Manuelinho, to become a priest. He

joined the Minor Seminary in Mapusa. His simplicity made him a role model to the local village

children.

From the first days he spent in the Inter-diocesan Seminary of Rachol, Goa to his last days there,

Fr. Agnelo’s life was one of service and love. He began his apostolate as a teacher till he decided

to join religious life. His choice was the Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, (The Pilar

Society). He worked with the formation of young future priests as the Confessor of the

Seminarians of Rachol and then later as their Spiritual Director. It is this amazing work of

shaping the young people for the service of the Church that was exemplary. His ill health or

weak constitution did not deter him from fulfilling his duties till his last days. Fr. Agnel passed

away at Rachol Seminary on 20th November 1927. In his life itself, the fame of his work spread

far and wide. He was a staunch preacher of the divine word, a counselor and always generous to

help others. He had attracted the reverence and admiration of all those he came in contact

with. Soon after his death the fame of his sanctity spread and written petitions were sent from

various quarters requesting the Patriarch of Goa to initiate his processes of beatification. The

long itinerary towards the Canonisation began. The various processes were successfully

completed and approved and he was declared a Venerable approved by Pope John Paul II on

10th November 1986.

Message from Goan Association (UK)

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The making of any saint takes significant time however it is important to note in Fr.

Agnelo’s case, the very fact that the diocesan processes were approved within a short time

and the apostolic process has found a favorable response from Rome, is a positive

indication we will have another saint from among our own soil. The great hope of the

millions of devotees is to see Venerable Fr. Agnelo canonised. He is a model to all kinds of

people and he has inspired people of every walk of life to witness faith in love for others.

His greatness was in his simplicity. Due to his roots and humble Goan background,

thousands of Goans, Christians and Non-Christians alike relate to him and continue to pray

to him for his intercessions and millions have benefitted. In their hearts he is already

considered a saint. He has drawn people from different walks of life spiritually closer to

the church and continues to touch the lives of people all around the world. I would urge all

to earnestly pray so that we may have the honour of seeing the canonisation of another

Indian saint.

Please continue to keep Ven. Fr. Agnelo in your prayers.

Deu Bore Korum

Best Wishes,

Ravi Vaz

President

Goan Association (UK)

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I am very pleased to send this message to your members on this occasion of the silver jubilee celebration of your association. Due to the enthusiasm and hard work of the founding members AFFA has grown to be an active and vibrant organisation, having prayer centres spread in different parts of the country. We all appreciate your efforts for the last 25 years to make Fr. Agnelo known far and wide and to further the Cause of his Beatification through prayers and activities. We are all thankful to Fr. Agnelo for all the favours showered upon us through his intercession and we all pray to God for his early Beatification. Goans all over the world are delighted with the news of our beloved Ven. Jose Vas being recognised for his exceptional holiness , we are longing and praying for the same to be granted to Fr. Agnelo. I wish to congratulate the members of the AFFA for all the good work you have done this last 25 years to spread the word of Fr. Agnelo. I convey our greetings and good wishes on this happy occasion and also wish you all the best for the future too. Nelson Carvalho President Goan Swindon Association

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Letters received for the 20th Anniversary Edition

by late supporters of the cause

Late Fr. Sergio Mascarenhas, S.F.X

Society of Pilar, Goa.

It is a great pleasure to know that your Association is

celebrating 20 years of working together to pray and

work for the Beatification of Our Venerable Fr. Agnelo.

I am happy to associate myself with you all on this

occasion and thank the Lord for bringing us together for

a great cause and for keeping us together in His service.

I remember the day when ‘Friends’ very generously

responded to the appeal of our Society of Pilar to form

an Association to make Ven. Fr. Agnelo known in London

and other parts of Europe, so that we can together pray

for the Servant of God.

It was your enthusiasm and hard work, allied to your

great faith that made our Venerable known, and we must

admit, so many favours were obtained through his

intercession. We can only praise the Lord for all this and

for making your faith grow.

Your Association in London has grown both in numbers

and in stature and I wish to thank and acknowledge you

all with gratitude.

At the Tomb of our Venerable we continue praying for

you.

Last letter from the late

Bishop Charles Henderson,

Auxiliary Bishop of

Southwark

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Articles

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FR. AGNELO, A DEFENDER OF THE POOR AND THE EXPLOITED

By Fr. Hilario Fernandes, sfx

Fr. Agnelo D’Souza was a Priest member of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier Pilar, Goa. He catered to the spiritual needs of the people especially through his preaching and celebrating the sacraments. Through the sacrament of reconciliation he brought healing and peace to thousands of people. Besides his pastoral ministry, his heart always longed for righteousness and justice for his people. Fr. Agnelo lived at a time when the poor and the marginalized were neglected and exploited. It was a time when those who possessed goods or properties did not always do justice in payment of wages or other dues. Due to such situation around the world, Pope Leo XIII brought out his Encyclical letter Rerum Novarum in 1891, in support of the cause of the poor and the exploited. This document made the stand of the church very clear. It inspired a campaign to safeguard the rights of the weaker sections. In his thirst for what is right and just, Fr. Agnelo preached against injustice, usury and fraud. At the same time he practiced what he preached. He always gave what was due to others. Fr. Remedios do Rosario Gomes writing on Fr. Agnelo for the process, says that he “was exquisite, he cultivated the fruitfulness and liberality towards employees … he was not capable of avoiding the just salary to the labourers or punish unjustly and exceedingly those who made mistakes”. At the same time Fr. Agnelo wanted everyone to be faithful to their duties and work with sincerity and honesty whatever work they undertook. Once when his nephew feigned illness to stay away from work, Fr. Agnelo took him to task making him realize the injustice he was doing to the public funds by receiving a salary without working for it. As a missionary working in the remote villages of Sanvordem, Shiroda and Kumta, he encountered the poor, the needy, those exploited, and the marginalized. There was no one else at that time to help them. The only person whom the poor could turn to, was the Parish Priest – Fr. Agnelo. He befriended them and came to their rescue. Once a father came with his daughter saying that he had no money to give her in marriage. Fr. Agnelo’s heart moved with pity. Even though he did not have a sufficient amount, he borrowed from his friend and gave to the man.

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The situation which Fr. Agnelo faced in his time, is not very much changed today. Rather it is going from bad to worse. No doubt, the church is involved in the fight for the victims of injustice, those oppressed, the marginalized, the migrants, refugees etc. But much more needs to be done. Pope Francis is constantly appealing to people of the world that “the dignity and centrality of every individual always be safeguarded, with respect for fundamental rights…”. He says with great pain, “In a world in which so much is said about rights, it seems that the only thing that has any rights is money… we are living in a world where money commands”. It is true, today the money holds a sway. Human beings have no value. Men and women are sacrificed to the idols of profit and consumption. If some people are homeless and die of cold on the streets, it is not news, but if the stock markets drop ten points, it is a tragedy! Thus people are disposed of as if they were trash, says Pope Francis. Fr. Agnelo countered such culture and gave importance to persons especially the poor. His spirituality was not separated from his social concerns. He worked for the renewal of persons and the society. In his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says, “An authentic faith - which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow a better place than we found it”. The church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice. Fr. Agnelo becomes an inspiration to all of us to live a life of righteousness and justice. He was a great champion of the poor and the exploited, not so much by gathering people and fighting for justice in public, not by resorting to violent means, but in his own little way. He lived a life that was right and just; he preached what he practiced and also saw that people he encountered, received justice. All of us may not be able to champion the cause of the poor and the marginalized in a big way, but there are so many ways we can do it especially by showing respect to people; living a life of righteousness and justice and denouncing any form of exploitation in our own homes, places of work and in the Society at large. It is part of our being the followers of Jesus, it is part of our spirituality to work for the transformation of the society through the gospel values and like Fr. Agnelo, strive to build a better world.

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Fr Francis

celebrating

North

London's

Mass in

APRIL

Bishop Pat Lynch

with Fr. Francis

Rosario, Fr. Lucas

Rodrigues, in St

Boniface Church

at Fr Agnelo's

Mass in Nov 2011

after the

Offertory.

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The Process of canonizaTion of Ven. fr. aGneLo d’souza

Member of the society of pilar, goa, india

There are nine Congregations under the auspices of the Holy See: Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples, Congregation for Oriental Churches, Congregation for the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Congregation of the Clergy, Congregation of the Bishops, Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life, Congregation of Catholic Education, and the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. The Congregation for the Causes of the Saints (Congregatio de Causis Sanctorum) is probably least well known and arguably the most complicated of all of them. The Sacred Congregation for Rites, which later became the Congregation of the Causes of the Saints and the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in May of 1969, was founded by Pope Sixtus V on January 22, 1588 with the Papal Bull Immensa Aeterni Dei/Immense and Eternal God . With the Apostolic Constitution Divinus Perfectionis Magister/The Divine Teacher (January, 25, 1983), Pope John Paul II eliminated the office of the “Devil’s Advocate” (advocatus diaboli), whose job it was essentially to argue against the canonization of a particular saint, and replaced it with the Promoter of Justice (promotor iustitiae), who seeks to review the overall accuracy of the argument for canonization of a particular candidate. The 1983 reforms of the Congregation greatly simplified the beatification and canonization processes. With the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus/The Good Shepherd (June 28, 1988), John Paul II changed the name to Congregation for the Causes of Saints, rather than of the Congregation. Likewise, he greatly reorganized the Roman Curia in order to lend greater day-to-day efficiency of tasks. With a staff of roughly twenty-five people, the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation, Angelo Cardinal Amato SDB, currently leads the Congregation with great vigor and indefatigable dedication to the individual causes of the saints. Process of Canonization: In Divinus Perfectionis Magister, John Paul II specifically outlines the process by which a miracle is authenticated on behalf of the person in question to possibly become a saint. He instituted a two-fold process of the verification of miracles: Diocesan and Holy See. After the local bishop opens an official enquiry into the sanctity of the individual, medical experts, doctors, and clinicians are often consulted to advise him on medical matters regarding the person’s remains (e.g. are they incorrupt, was the person martyred, aroma of sanctity). With the local investigations completed, the information is then sent to Rome for further investigations and perhaps the awaiting of a second miracle. While assessing the authenticity of a miracle, the Congregation strictly critiques the degree to which the miracle may be rationally explainable and the extent to which its causes may be attributable to medical science and non-spiritual phenomenon. Following this procedure, there are four stages in the formal process of canonization. They include the following:




By Rev. Fr. Tony Savio Fernandes sfx Ex Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Ven. Agnelo.

Student of Course on Sainthood by the Congregation for the Cause of Saints, Vatican.

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1. Servant of God: (servus Dei). This title is not to be confused with the title: Servant of the servants of God (servus sevorum Dei), which is a title used originally by the Pope St. Gregory the Great in reference to the nature of service of the Roman Pontiff to the people of God. The title “Servant of God,” is given as the first stage of the process of canonization to a person who is being investigated by the Pope and the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints for possibly canonization. In order for the process to arrive at the point of referring to the person as a Servant of God, he/she must have a reputation for holiness which in turn arouses devotion among the faithful (vox populi vox Dei). In the case of our saintly priest Fr. Agnelo, the process began when the people requested the then Archbishop-Patriarch Dom Jose Vieira Alvernaz to request the Holy See to start the process of his Canonization. Rev. Fr. Agostino della Vergine, O.SS.T., was appointed as the first Postulator in Rome and Rev. Fr. Conciesao Rodrigues SFX was appointed as the first Vice Postulator in Goa. They began their work with great commitment and vigour of writing his biography and collecting all his writings, sayings and even his casual letters that he wrote to his dear and near ones. This tedious process (positio) began in the year 1947, it was accepted by the Sacred Congregations of Rites on 27th April, 1958 and Fr. Agnelo D’souza was declared as the “Servant of God” on 29th April 1958 by Pope Pius XII. Thus the first stage was completed with the declaration of “Servant of God”. Once the Holy See accepts the positio the process from then begins. 2. Venerable: The formal declaration of Venerable is the second stage in the process of canonization of a candidate for the sainthood within the Catholic Church. One who is Venerable is one who has exhibited “heroic in virtue” and the lay faithful are encouraged to look to their example of virtue (theological and cardinal virtues) as a holy example of piety and service to others. Prior to 1913, the title “Venerable Servant of God” was assigned as soon as the Positio was published and the Decree was introduced for the process for Canonization. After 1913, the title of “Venerable Servant of God” was assigned only after the Promulgation of the Decree of the heroic or virtuous life of the candidate. Once the life history of a person is accepted, the process begins and the next step is to study the heroic or virtuous life of the declared Servant of God. The search now begins for as many persons who were in contact with the Servant of God, to learn from them about the heroic or virtuous life of the person in study. Once this process is completed the Holy Father before declaring the “servant of God” venerable has to make sure that the person has live a heroic or virtuous life by accepting Christ and the Gospel values given by Jesus Christ and was his true follower. This tedious process also came to completion on 10th November 1986 when Pope John Paul II accepted the virtuous life of the Servant of God Fr. Agnelo Gustavo de Souza. With this declaration now the process enters into the third stage and that is Beatification.

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3. Blessed: (Beatification) The formal declaration of Blessed is the third among the four steps in the process of canonization of a candidate for sainthood. One who is declared Blessed (Beatification) is one the Church now believes is fully in heaven and may be prayed to intercede on behalf of the faithful. In order for one to be Beatified one miracle must be approved and attributed to him/her. This requirement is omitted if the person has been martyred for their faith because the Church sees in such a witness the most heroic example of fidelity to Christ that one can possibly render. Examples of those who are currently considered Blessed includes Blessed Theresa of Calcutta, Blessed Jose Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka and the Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa. Many other who have already proved their place in heaven by the favour obtained through his/her intercession. In the case of Ven. Fr. Agnelo the Church is still awaiting for such a favour sought through his intercession to be declared as a miracle. The Vice-postulator, nor the Postulator can never announce by his own authority that a favour is a miracle. It is only having presented a good case of a favour obtained, to the Congregation for the Cause of Saints and a through study made first by the Diocese and then by the Roman Curia, the Holy Father after having consulted some concerned Bishops and having received the consent of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints declares that the Venerable Servant of God declares “Blessed” and the date is fixed for his Beatification and the date for his annual festive celebration only in the places where the Beatified is know as has served, is also announced. 4. Sainthood: (Canonization) Canonization is the final stage in the process of canonization of a candidate to be a saint. At this point the person is held up as a wonderful, heroic, and virtuous example for the whole Church and the faithful are encouraged to venerate them by prayers and imitation of their lives. This process is referred to as a Canonization because at this point the person is officially registered in the official canon of saints within the Church. It is important here to accentuate that the Catholic Church does not, contrary to popular belief, “make” saints. Rather, the canonization process affirms and declares publically that the individual was a saint during his/her life and that the faithful may now venerate them, pray to them, and follow their heroic example of faith. In order for one to be declared a saint two miracles are required, one for beatification and the other for Canonization, unless, as stated prior, the person is a martyr. The Pope can wave off the second miracle, as he has done in the case of Blessed Jose Vaz. The declaration by the Pope regarding the sainthood of the person the Church holds to be infallible and thus, binding on the faithful and clergy alike to believe. Following the canonization ceremony, the new saint is assigned an official feast day within the Roman calendar, which is usually the day he/she died. Likewise, their relics are distributed among the faithful for reverence. The relics are not permitted to be sold or bought.




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The usual waiting period following the death of a person and the initiation of their formal cause for canonization is five years, this too can be waved off, as Pope John Paul II did incase of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta and Pope Benedict XVI did in case of John Paul II. In the case of Venerable Agnelo, one miracle is required to be declared Blessed and then after another to be Canonized. Let us keep praying that the Lord may grant us the required miracles so that we may have the first Goan Saint who served Goa and Goan clergy in humility, austerity and in silence doing ordinary things in an extraordinary manner. Rev. Fr. Tony Savio Fernandes sfx Ex Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Ven. Agnelo. Student of Course on Sainthood by the Congregation for the Cause of Saints, Vatican.

Milton Keynes Prayer Group

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UNIVERSAL CALL TO SAINTHOOD

By Fr Prabodh Bilung, s.f.x.

The genealogy of Jesus Christ, found in the Gospel according to Matthew, is full of vulnerable

characters - Abraham, Jacob, Judah, David, Solomon to name a few - who by normal ethical

standards would be frowned upon. Yet, as the evangelist shows, they were chosen by God to

be instrumental in bringing salvation to humankind. Humans they were and many of them had

grave flaws in their characters. Similarly, apart from their zeal for the Good News, and

therefore for Jesus Christ, Paul, Peter and his companions, the Apostles, had serious human

limitations. Yet, we venerate them as saints. This biblical precedence should effectively nullify

our all too human objection to the call to all the faithful to sainthood: “How can a sinful person

like me become a saint?”

Who could be a saint? Perhaps it is a wrong question. Nobody declares his/her intention to be a saint. In other words, no one chooses sainthood as their vocation. It permeates all vocations. Any one from any sphere of life could be seen as a saint. However, in popular parlance, a saint is one who has not only been extraordinarily exemplary during his/her lifetime, but also has been recognised as such by the official Church. That declaration does not take place until some supernatural signs attributed to the intercessory role of the ‘saint in the making’, have been examined scientifically.

This, then, implies that the role of the community is vitally important in recognizing the ‘heroic’ virtues of a person who has died, to get him/her declared as a saint. This also includes the possibility that a vast number of the people of God, who lead extraordinarily virtuous lives, go unnoticed by the community. As Bertrand Russell has aptly put it: “No one gossips about other people’s secret virtues.”

Who are saints then? Only those who are recognised as such, or even those who die unrecognised?

Traditionally, martyrs and ‘outstanding’ Christians were venerated as saints. For nearly three hundred years after its foundation, the Church suffered persecution. Many Christians chose death rather than renounce their faith. These were called “martyrs”, a Greek word, which means “witness”; that is, they declared Christ to be God and the Saviour of everyone. They did it not just by words, but by laying down their lives. Christians all over the world started venerating these martyrs. They flocked to their tombs to pay homage to them. Convinced that they had already attained eternal life in heaven, people prayed to the saints to intercede with God for their brothers and sisters still on earth.

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Gradually, the Church started venerating, not only those Christians who had shed their blood for Christ, but others who, while living on earth, had been outstanding examples of Christian life, though had died natural, not violent deaths. They too were called “saints”; that is, people who served God most faithfully while living on earth, and whom God rewarded with joy of heaven at their death.

There was in Rome a famous pagan temple, called “the Pantheon”, a word which means “the house of all gods”. It was given this name because Roman Emperors collected there the statues of all the gods and goddesses worshipped in the various countries of the Roman Empire, that they might be worshipped in a single place. They did this out of subjection. By the year 600 AD or so, there were hardly any pagans left in or around Rome; practically the whole population had become Christian. In the year 609, Pope Boniface IV, then governing the Church, cleared out the statues of gods and goddesses from the Pantheon and turned the building into a church which he dedicated to God in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints. Thereafter there has been an army of saints in the Church, a vast majority of them from the West.

From the above information, we can gather that witness to Jesus Christ; community and also politics of pleasing a particular group played a significant role in the making of a saint. The third element has played a role, but not a decisive one. What could be of paramount importance for our reflection on the universal call to sainthood of all the faithful could be:

Saints are not born as saints. All human beings are born with a potential to be good with varying intensity. All are unique. Those destined to become saints are motivated by their conviction in the cause of Jesus Christ. Centred on His mission in pursuit of the Kingdom of God, this cause may be expressed in many ways. Some live contemplative lives, dedicated to the people in the world. Others, like Mother Teresa, actively involve themselves in working for the most neglected ones. All these are human beings born not in a neutral world, but in the world fully aware of goodness and evil. They could have succumbed to the temptations of evil, but they did not; just as the early Christian martyrs did not. Like them, all the faithful have the potential to respond to the mission of Jesus Christ, each in their own unique way.

It is worth noting that though aware of human limitations, in his letters, Paul does not hesitate to call his Christians "saints" (Rom 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2;2Cor.13:12). How well one is able to live up to Jesus’ dictum is the measure of sainthood. Dictum: “Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You must love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt.22:34-40). It is obeying both aspects of Christ’s command that distinguishes the saint from the secular humanitarian.

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There have been many humanitarians in the world who have done more wonderful work for humans than have many saints; possibly more than that which Jesus himself achieved. They have often done so grudgingly, against some fellow humans and often cursing God. They lacked the virtue of unconditional love for the entire human race. There have been pious and saintly persons who have been totally oblivious of the rest of the world.

Sainthood of a person, then, consists of a total abandonment of the self to the will of God, and complete dedication to the one's fellow human beings.

What we are expected to do is to go beyond the myopic view of sainthood that makes us naïve in our outlook and excludes us from a meaningful existence, leading us instead to experience disappointment and sorrow in our lives. It is our quest for meaning in life that temps us to look for significant events (myths) or persons (symbols), that give and add meaning to our lives. Counter to this, a glance at the Christian traditions should clarify our view of sainthood and save us from self condemnation. Therein we will find that there is not a saint who has become so by their own merits, without the help of the community. The community saints lived in has been the ‘locus’ of their growth as saints. The “communion of saints” should not refer exclusively to the guild of declared saints, rather it should refer to their participation in and with the life of the community in which they lived. It is in the context of this “communion of saints” that Fr Agnelo can be seen as responding to the universal call of all the faithful to sainthood. In other words, how well he witnessed to the twin aspects of the command of Jesus, namely, loving God and the neighbour, will determine his participation in the call.

We may do well to refresh our understanding of the phrase, "communion of saints”. It was used before 5th century, not as part of the Creed, but in the sense of participation in the blessings of salvation, including therefore a personal element of salvation. Communion, as such, was not seen as a share in things or effects but a personal community relationship. Salvation has a community dimension. The Church by its intrinsic nature is a community. When the phrase, “communion of saints”, was inserted into the creed, it was probably meant to emphasise the nature of the Church as a fellowship (communion) of persons constituted and determined as such by the blessings of salvation. Fellowship comes about by the Son’s participation in our nature (Heb. 2,14; Rom 5,8-10;8,32ff; Jn. 1,14). It is communion with Christ which first constitutes the Church as a fellowship. Fellowship with Christ is the basis of the fellowship of the justified (faithful). It essentially means solidarity with humans, who could be ‘saints’ or ‘sinners’. It is fellow humans for which the mission of Christ, the pursuit of the Kingdom of God, was and is meant.

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Does Fr Agnelo not fit into the above explanation? One has to go through his life, not with individual set standards as a yardstick, but keeping in mind the time and place in which he lived. One has to see the response his life has evoked among the people of God, in Goa and elsewhere in the world.

Born into the devout Catholic family of Minguel Arcanjo de Souza and Maria Sinforsosa Perpetua Magalhaes from Anjuna, on 21st January 1869, Agnelo grew up a saintly boy, firmly grounded in Christian doctrine, based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. As his father died when he was eleven and mother when he was thirteen, Agnelo began to experience the daily exigencies of life quite early. He had already learned to put himself under the care of Divine Providence. As anyone at that time would have, though, he joined the diocesan Seminary to be a priest to serve the people of God. He then went through a severe crisis of scruples, and doubt about his suitability to priesthood. Coming out of the crisis through expert spiritual guidance and consultation, he decided he would, after all, be a priest. By now Agnelo wanted to live the evangelical counsels in a Religious Order, which did not function openly at that time in Goa. He therefore joined the diocesan Missionary Society of St Francis Xavier of Pilar, and was ordained a priest on 24th September 1899.

What is extra ordinary about Agnelo as described above? Nothing. If at all there is anything extraordinary it is his simple and saintly life that looked extra ordinarily virtuous to the people whose lives he touched. One does not need many words to communicate to others. What is needed is a heart that feels for and listens to troubled souls. Agnelo had that type of heart. How else can one explain why a number of lay-people, and seminarians would regularly flock to him for spiritual guidance and confession. He was a good shepherd of souls, who was vibrant and vehement in the pulpit, and gentle and humane in the confessional. The most hardened sinners felt encouraged to open the innermost recesses of their souls to him. It is his sheer goodness that attracted them to him.

Most of the men and women who figure in the Church’s universal calendar of the saints are there, not because they excelled in administration, in learning, in endurance, in courage or in works of charity, but because they excelled in sheer goodness. Though Fr Agnelo does not yet figure in the Church’s universal calendar of saints, he is no less a saint; a saint who is among the 'communion of saints', who are declared as such. He is also in communion with those human beings who see him as model in the struggles of life.

The testimony of the people who lived with Agnelo and of those who have since experienced him in their lives and have felt a tangible sense of communion with him, provides a strong case for considering him a saint, even though the Church on Earth has not yet declared as this.

Venerable Fr. Agnelo - Pray for us.

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Spiritual Growth of the Association

By Deacon Braz Menezes

The first seminar held in 2002 was an important step towards shaping the Association as we

know it today. Besides the physical growth of our prayer centres, there was a strong focus

on our spiritual growth. This stressed the importance of effectively establishing the

relationship between the above two which would result in a holistic approach.

In 2009 we published our first brochure highlighting 20 years work of the Association. This

is the right time to publish our second brochure as we have now entered a new stage by

having Goan Village Organisers in the UK join in spreading the devotion to Ven. Fr Agnelo.

It is now necessary for us as an ongoing task to develop the maturing of faith and its

outworking in our life. For the last 12 years our Annual Seminar was involved in developing

our faith and to know the power of God's word and the Holy Spirit which illuminates the

hearts and minds to receive the truth.

The former postulator in Rome Rev. Fr James Fitzpatrick wrote:' The faith groups such as

your Association of the Friends of Father Agnelo are the stuff of which canonizations are

made. The Church responds to continuing faith and confidence to advance a cause for

canonization. You and all your members are truly part of the whole reality of the

canonization process. It is a great privilege.'

He asked us to do three things:

1. To know Father Agnelo

2. To speak about him

3. To make sure that he is part of your prayer life.

Herein lies the answer. We are a faith-sharing community, strong in faith and our

emigration to various countries has helped to deepen the faith of the local churches

because of our culture, devotion and collective support. So like St Paul, writing to the

Romans, we can say we have something to impart and share for mutual benefit.

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1) Priority of Prayer

Prayer centres could meet periodically in their parish or home to pray.

Those who are engaged in promoting the process of canonization are called for this active

waiting, growing in faith, developing conscious relationship with Jesus, and experiencing

glimmers of God's presence in our work. Thus prayers become a constituent part of life.

2) Hope

We need to be filled with new life and confidence, continue storming heaven for a first

class miracle so that Ven. Agnelo will be elevated to sainthood. We must hold this hope.

St Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,

immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor is not

in vain in the Lord.

3) Evangelisation

We are all baptized persons and need to exercise our gifts of prayers, discernment and

prophecy by reaching out and evangelising to all.

St Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 'All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for

teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness'.

Reflecting on those immortal words Fr Agnelo spoke when the fortress of the Pilar Society was

at low ebb “The finger of God is here”. These were not spoken for the moment in time alone.

Today they have become a stream of living waters and like the Ezekiel river in the Old

Testament wherever it flows brings life. The expansion of the Society is in itself a miracle.

Let us be evangelistic in spreading the word that Fr Agnelo should be a saint.

God Bless

Yours sincerely in Christ

Rev. Deacon Braz Menezes

28th October 2014

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Exactly one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine years after the birth of Jesus, another star was born unto us. This time it was in the peace-loving and joyful village of Anjuna in Bardez, Goa. On that glorious day, 21

st January at seven in the evening nothing

extraordinary took place. One could hear the straining sounds of the bullock carts passing close by in the dusty red mud and the sweet murmurs of ladies drawing water from the wells, on a cool winter’s evening. Agnelo’s pious and well educated parents, Miguel Areanjo de Souza and Maria Sinforosa Perpetua Magalhas, had to baptize him at home soon after birth, as he was in danger of death. Yet, this boy survived and was baptised solemnly on 13

th

February 1869, on the Feast day of St Agnes. Hence the name, Agnelo, a little angel! The parents of Agnelo were virtuous people, imbued with the spirit of true Christian charity. Sedulous small proprietors as they were, they possessed coconut groves and paddy fields, that they cultivated. This family of nine children - eight sons and a daughter, lived a simple, contented life and had the doors of the house open to all other children. Miguel and Sinforosa made a loving couple and perhaps had great plans for their children. The eldest son was still studying in the seminary and the second youngest among the children was the girl, who was just six years when their mother died. Agnelo was thirteen years old at that time. Father Miguel died just two years before Sinforosa, leaving the children orphans at a very young age. Manuelinho, eldest in the family, who later became a priest, now had to take charge and shoulder all the responsibilities of the household. It is said that Agnelo showed great respect and affection towards his brother. Even at a young age, Agnelo was an instrument of peace and concord. He was calm, pacific, collected, a conciliator in the quarrels among companions and obedient to his elders, but he had his weaknesses. In his childhood Agnelo had his own share of sufferings and displeasures. However, being a well-balanced young man of mortification and self-denial, he faced them all with a smile and resignation.

STAR FROM ANJUNA

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Agnelo grew up in an atmosphere of understanding, whose love was cultivated. Earthly possessions did not concern him, nor did the paucity of resources ever worry him. Agnelo could recite the prayers as taught by his mother. Manuelinho put him in charge of teaching the smaller children. Agnelo grew to be a saint even in life. He saw no barriers, no hostility, no envy or sadness. For him growth was joyful and contented. It led to realization and fulfilment. It seems that Agnelo took up the Holy Scriptures to the letter. He not only gave signs of great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother, but took great pains to instil it in others. Yet, Agnelo could not alone have ascended to lofty heights of perfection, nor felt such an attraction to all that is holy and good. Our Lord planted his soul in the fertile soil of a virtuous environment, enriching it with the odour of purity and the good example of his parents. The little Agnelo observed them closely, admired them greatly and loved them ardently. All the childhood happenings in the life of Agnelo proved to be very special before God and he was destined for a special mission. Years passed by and the child grew to be a missionary priest who would, in time, be a great wonder worker, even in his mission of bringing people to Goa. A priest who was considered in his life-time worthy of being imitated. Nurtured in love, he was able to communicate it to hundreds of people under his pastoral care, and to priests of the Archdiocese of Goa, who’s spiritual Director he was. As a priest and a missionary, working in Kumta, North Canara, Karnataka and “New Conquests”, such as Sanvordem, Sanguem, Dabal, Collem and other areas, he must have come very close to St Francis of Assisi in following the beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount. In the words of Jesus, we can identify him as becoming one of the “sons of God”. Thus, this star of our present age deserves to be given the honour of sainthood as

early as possible. Let us pray for this cause.

Fr Jesus Orlando Lopes

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Eighty seven years ago, the Venerable Fr. Agnelo lay dying, breathing heavily and hardly conscious.

Pressing his head gently on Fr. Agnelo’s pillow was Fr. Mendonca, pencil poised to catch Agnelo’s every

whisper and commit it to paper. Fr. Mendonca said of this occasion: “One cannot say which was truer:

whether we prayed over Fr. Agnelo, for him, with him or to him. For we were sure then as ever after,

that Fr. Agnelo was a Saint.”

The next day, following news of his death, which spread like wildfire, one could hear in every corner,

from the soft whispers of professors, the excited talk of street merchants and many people young and

old, from every kind of household, “a saint has died.”

Fr. Albuquerque, the Parish Priest of Rachol filled with faith, said to Msgr. Lucio Vaz, the Superior of The

Society, that “Fr. Agnelo is already in Heaven.” After finishing the last rites he said, “I have buried a

saint in my Cemetery.” How prophetic were those words. Even though not yet declared a Saint, to the

depths of our hearts, all connected with The Society, or related to Pilar in any way, know that he is our

shining light of sanctity.

When we look at Fr. Agnelo’s life, as depicted by many biographers and other writers, and from Fr.

Agnelo’s few preserved letters, we do not find anything spectacular or extraordinary. Rather, we see in

the everyday minutiae of his life that Fr. Agnelo was filled with the Spirit and inspired by the Virgin

Mary. Yes, he tried to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit even in the smallest of things.

In his short life of just 56 years, what exemplifies his life is his immense love of the Lord Jesus. He had a

special devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus and his great desire was to be ever closer to Him. This is

especially seen in Fr. Agnelo’s prolonged visits to the blessed sacrament.

His eagerness and efforts to follow the discipline and norms of priestly life, and his obedience to his

superiors was exemplary. His sensitivity to the needs of others, especially the poor and downtrodden in

the Parishes and missions where he worked, is remarkable.

87 years after the death of this Holy man, from dawn to dusk, devotees from all walks of life throng to

the tiny hillock in Pilar to pray through the intercession of Fr. Agnelo. Every Thursday, Pilar is like a

magnet that draws a great variety of people to it, both Christians and many from other faiths, attracted

by the reputation of our saint. They place their trust at the tomb of the Venerable Fr. Agnelo.

Thousands flock to the remains of “Pard Agnel”, as he is fondly addressed by the Goan Community. Fr.

Agnelo is the shining star of the Society of Pilar. His rays of holiness and love have radiated far and

wide, warming every nook and cranny in our desperate world.

Fr. Agnelo –A Saint for Our Time

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Twenty-five years ago, a tiny seed was sown in London, England in the UK. The founding fathers,

brothers and sisters had one simple aim: to make Fr. Agnelo known and admired in the UK. Today one

can see that the seed has grown and thrived, its branches not only in London but bearing fruit in other

parts of England. This tree of abundant health and joy is seen through the numerous Fr. Agnelo

Association groups. These groups of friends of Fr. Agnelo have grown in strength to produce a

wonderful crop. It bears a harvest in plenty to feed the souls through prayers and masses said every

week for the Cause. This is a great testimony to those who have worked tirelessly, first to establish the

roots and then, over the years, to nourish the growth of the movement in the UK.

This is a fitting time to remember those stalwarts, some no longer with us but whose work continues.

We think of Louis and Felix Mascarehas who, after expressing their desire to start a devotional

movement in London, in 1987, were then written to by the Superior of the Society of Pilar, Fr. J

Almedia. He urged them to start an association with branches throughout England, as widely as

possible.

So it began formally in 1989, during the visit of the late Revd. Dr. Sergio Mascarenhas, who was then

Vice-Postular. Ever since that time the Association has worked towards the Beatification of the

Venerable Fr. Agnelo De Souza, amongst Goans and other communities in the UK. Fr Francis Carvalho,

the Pilar Priest then studying in London, shouldered responsibility for maintaining the growth and

progress of the group, with his pastoral care, selfless energy and enthusiasm. The zeal and dedication

of Nina Pinto, Deacon Braz Menezes, the late Louis Mascarenhas, Agnelo Fernandes, the late Rudolph

Noronha, Jovito Dias and Anthony D’Souza, has given the Association of Friends of Fr. Agnelo, such firm

foundation stones and a towering presence in our community.

For the last 25 years, along with this Association, are many other faithful soldiers, working steadfastly

with zeal, dedication and commitment to see that the process of Fr. Agnelo’s Canonisation is

accomplished. Since the birth of the Association in the UK, members have been involved in various

ways to further the Cause by promoting devotion to Fr. Agnelo throughout the UK. This is done

ardently by encouraging the weekly Thursday Prayer, added to which are devotional days, seminars,

retreats and missions. Monthly novenas, some run for consecutive months on end have their climax in

November when we gather together to celebrate Fr. Agnelo Day.

The hard work of the Association and others who are pleased to work quietly in the background,

unsung heroes, has taken deep roots in the lives of many of the faithful. The members, and especially

the area representatives, not only promote the Cause of the Ven. Fr. Agnelo, but also help the

missionary work of the Pilar Society in many and varied ways. They generously donate through

financial and other means to the promulgation of The Cause, the missions and towards the formation of

future missionary priests.




33




Novena/Mass at Swindon with Rev. Frs. Alexander, Peter Cardozo, Francis and Lucas

The Association is now a well-run and effective organisation. Commitment and humble dedication are

hallmarks of those whose devotion over the past 25 years, has sought to emulate their Saint-in-waiting.

In London, in particular, it has reached great heights. The committee is dedicated to its duties and reso-

lute in its aims.

This 25th anniversary, as we recall the founder members and many who have maintained the momentum

since, we should recall and pray for all those in our family, especially those who have passed on, that

they may have the pleasure of encountering Fr. Agnelo with Our Lord in Heaven.

What gives everyone, involved, the determination, zeal, devotion and drive is the fact that we know that

the Venerable Fr. Agnelo DeSouza is already a Saint, and was known to be in his lifetime! The late Bish-

op Henderson, a Bishop in Southwark and our founder Patron, who gave the Association immense sup-

port, and was a bridge between it and English congregations, always said, “His time will come, in God’s

own time.”

by Fr. Lucas Rodrigues sfx

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The First Informal Gathering was held at the G.O.A. Clubhouse, in Kent, on Sunday 16th

October 1994 with Representatives of the Goan Village/Club Organisations.

The U. K. Association felt that there was a need to consolidate the growth achieved so far, and

to chart out our future strategy together as an ever growing family. The outcome of the

endeavour resulted in our First Seminar in 2003, designed to meet up with our counterparts

in Paris, and invite Representatives of the Goan Village/Club Organisations to update them of

the work carried out to further the cause of the Beatification. This proved to be an eye

opening event of grace. It lifted our spirits and provided a challenge for greater and planned

commitment.

Rev. Deacon Braz Menezes, Chairman opened the proceedings and provided three elements:

1) Vision

2) Sense of Mission

3) Means of Achievement

Rev. Fr Oliver Antao, Asian Chaplain on behalf of Pilar Society spoke of their constant action to

generate awareness of the society and the ways to spread the good news of Fr. Agnelo.

Guest Speakers included Flavio Gracias (President of the Goan Association UK), Ferdie

Rodrigues (Area Representative), Andrew Da Silva (Chairman of Les Amis du Pere Agnelo,

Paris) and Cruz Gonsalves (Co-ordinator - Paris).

The seminars are now an annual event to review the work carried out during the year and to

plan ahead. Prayers and Bible study form an important part of the seminar. The day ends

with the celebration of the mass.

The following articles have been taken from the 20th Anniversary Edition.

Seminars

35




In 2006 our Association established a Prayer Ministry to pray for the sick. The impetus which

gave birth to the Ministry is very revealing; one of our committee members, whose niece was

suffering from inoperable cancer and declared beyond cure, suggested that our Association

should start praying and seek Fr Agnelo’s intercession.

A prayer team was formed from our prayer centres, and a novena to the Venerable Fr Agnelo

commenced. The patient was notified of these arrangements, and some team members wrote

and spoke to her. She was greatly comforted to know that she was surrounded by a praying

community, and took the opportunity to speak to those who contacted her. She died peacefully

with joy, in full embrace of a loving Jesus who prayed to his Father “I want them to be with me

where I am to see my glory”.

Since then the ministry has grown and we continue to receive requests for prayers even from

abroad. Today around our churches, the Healing Ministry has grown and we see the saving and

healing power of Jesus being manifested in our lives and the power which only God can give.

We shall never know why God heals some and not others. We see in John’s Gospel (Chapter 5)

many lying at the pool of Bethesda and Jesus only heals one. This mystery we will not know until

the end of our lives. However Jesus did say “I only do what my Father tells me to do”. We are

terminal people and have to live with eternity in view.

Prayer Ministry

North London Devotees – At the Goan Community Centre

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At times when the Association has been on a journey, there is a need to step back and take a fresh

look, confront new perspectives and a new approach. This search was amply rewarded, on receipt

of a letter from the former Postulator in Rome Rev. Fr. James Fitzpatrick, who wrote “The faith

groups such as your Association of the Friends of Fr Agnelo are the stuff of which canonizations are

made. The church responds to continuous faith and confidence to advance the cause for

canonization; you and all your members are truly part of the whole reality of the canonization

process. It is a great privilege”. He asked us to do three things:

1) To know Fr. Agnelo

2) To speak about him

3) To make sure that he is part of your prayer life.

This statement removed the veil of mysticism, it was positive and directional and principles

outlined “The church responds to continuous faith and confidence to advance a cause for

canonization”.

Herein lies the answer. It is our faith and confidence. Clearly we have a lot of work to do.

Knowing Fr Agnelo

Chairpersons from 1989 to date:

26TH NOVEMBER 1989 - FELIX DE SOUZA 12TH FEBRUARY 1992 - THE LATE LOUIS MASCARENHAS 3RD MARCH 1994 - AGNELO FERNANDES 19TH MARCH 1996 - THE LATE RUDOLPH NORONHA 31ST MARCH 1998 - JOVITO DIAS 21ST MARCH 2000 - ANTHONY X. D’SOUZA 26TH MARCH 2002 - REV. DEACON BRAZ MENEZES 30TH MARCH 2005 - FELIX DE SOUZA 28TH MARCH 2007 - JOVITO DIAS - TO DATE

37




38




39




A. V. C. UNION ALDONA ASSOCIATION

ANJUNA ASSOCIATION ASSAGAO ASSOCIATION

BADEM DE ASSAGAO ASSOC. BENAULIM ASSOCIATION

CHORAO UK CORTALIM UNION

CROYDON GOANS EAST LONDON & ESSEX GOANS

GOAN ASSOCIATION (UK) GOAN CULTURAL SOCIETY

GOAN CHAP. PRAYER GRP.(SWINDON) GOAN CHAPLAINCY

GOAN CHAP. MASS CENTRE (SOUTHALL) GOAN SWINDON ASSOCIATION

GOAN VOICE GOAN WELFARE SOCIETY

GOANS ‘R’ US GOLDEN GOAN ASSOCIATION

KONKANI DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION LEICESTER GOAN ASSOCIATION

MAPUSA UNION (LONDON) MARGAO UNION

MAJORDA UNION MERCES GOANS (LONDON)

MERTON GOAN S. C. ASSOCIATION MOIRA ASSOCIATION

MUNGUL UNION NAVELIM UNION

NUVEM UNION PARRA ASSOCIATION

READING GOAN CENTRE SIOLIM UNIION (LONDON)

ST. JACINTO’S UNION ST. DIOGO’S ASSOCIATION

TIVIM ASSOCIATION

The following Goan Organisations have pledged their support

40




COMMITTEE

JOVITO DIAS CHAIRMAN

NEVES D’SOUZA VICE CHAIRMAN

NINA PINTO GENERAL SECRETARY

FREDDY MONTEIRO TREASURER

HILLARY FERNANDES ASST. TREASURER

ANTHONY D’SOUZA SOCIAL SECRETARY

MARIO FERNANDES PUBLICITY SECRETARY

REV. DEACON BRAZ MENEZES JOINT AREA REPS’ CO-ORD.

GENNY COLACO JOINT AREA REPS’ CO-ORD.

UNIECE BARROS FUND RAISING CO-ORDINATOR

THOMAS PEREIRA MEMBER

REV. FR. ORLANDO LOPES PILAR REPRESENTATIVE

REV. FR. LUCAS RODRIGUES PILAR REPRESENTATIVE

AREA REPRESENTATIVES

JANUARY RITA AGUIAR & CANUTE D’AGUIAR MORDEN

FEBRUARY AGNELA CABRAL & NINA PINTO SOUTH LONDON

MARCH FATIMA & FLORIE FERNANDES CRANFORD

APRIL CANDY FERNANDES & JOSEPHINE FERNANDES N. LONDON

MAY LYDIA D’SOUZA E. LONDON

MAY MILLIE & TOM FERNANDES SLOUGH

JUNE DR. LUKE FERNANDES & DIANA PIRES BRIGHTON

JUNE ANNE & LEE D’MELLO MILTON KEYNES

JULY JOVITO DIAS & PRECY FERNANDES WELLING

JULY GOAN CHAPLAINCY MASS CENTRE SOUTHALL

AUGUST SWINDON GOAN ASSOCIATION SWINDON

AUGUST THE AGNELITES READING

SEPTEMBER GOAN CHAPLAINCY MASS CENTRE WEMBLEY

OCTOBER JENNIFER D’SILVA/OSCAR FERNANDES/RAYMOND LOBO CROYDON

NOVEMBER 9-DAY NOVENA – LEICESTER GOAN ASSOCIATION LEICESTER

PRAYER MINISTRY

ROSIE D’SILVA

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