The steady rise in devotion to Venerable Agnelo de Souza continues to draw thousands to the historic hillock of Pilar, where the revered priest’s tomb has become a focal point of prayer, healing, and personal testimony nearly a century after his death.
Soon after his passing, the faithful began visiting his grave to seek blessings and spiritual favors. That tradition has since blossomed into a weekly pilgrimage, with crowds gathering every Thursday for prayers and novena (Nov. 11-19), leading up to his death anniversary on Nov. 20.
This year, as the Society of Pilar and devotees prepared for the 98th observance of his heavenly birth, large throngs, both young and old, climbed the hill on Nov. 16, reflecting the enduring strength of his intercession.
A life formed in faith and service
Venerable Fr. Agnelo D’Souza was born on Jan. 21, 1869, in Anjuna, Goa. Raised in a deeply religious household, he showed early zeal for catechism and a remarkable memory that earned the admiration of his peers.
Orphaned at 11, he and his siblings were entrusted spiritually to Mother Mary, a moment that shaped his sense of vocation.
Despite fragile health, he excelled at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, where he studied Latin, philosophy, and theology.
He joined the Society of Pilar on July 17, 1897, and was ordained on Sept. 24, 1898. After making his religious oblation in 1908, he spent years serving in mission stations, remembered for his simplicity, holiness, and pastoral dedication.
His sanctity became widely recognized when he was appointed spiritual director at Rachol Seminary in 1918.
Students and staff regarded him as a model of priestly life, affectionately calling him “our saint.” Known for deep prayer, silence, and devotion to the Eucharist, he lived a life rooted entirely in God.
Fr. Agnelo died on Nov. 20, 1927, collapsing while preaching on the eve of the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
Devotion at Pilar continues to expand
Fr. Hilary Fernandes, SFX, who oversees the devotion at Pilar, said the number of pilgrims continues to rise.
“Every Thursday, Pilar observes the novena with large participation,” he said. “Devotion to Ven. Agnelo is growing, attracting people from all walks of life who report favors through his intercession. We have seven Masses from morning to evening. People from near and far participate in large numbers.”
The flow of pilgrims requires significant preparation. Many priests hear confessions “all day,” offering what many describe as moments of cleansing and healing.
“During the novena and day of Ven. Agnelo, a large pandal is put up for more than a thousand devotees, and facilities like parking, toilets, canteens, confessions, and counseling are provided,” he said.
Visitors come throughout the week as well, with many stopping at the tomb to pray for personal intentions.
Testimonies of intercession and hope
For many, devotion to Fr. Agnelo is grounded in lived experience.
Maya Pereira, who spent 38 years working at the Father Agnelo Ashram in Verna, believes she was chosen through his intercession.
Competing with 22 candidates, including Ph.D. holders, for a position at the Ashram, she recalls her simple prayer while commuting for her graduate studies: that he might one day be declared a saint.
“Father Agnelo chose me, a simple person, to work and give glory to God,” she said. “For every small favor I ask, I receive it.”
For Ashley Vales of Dabolim, devotion began in childhood. His family introduced him to Fr. Agnelo through regular visits and stories shared through pamphlets and books. The devotion grew stronger as he aged.
“Pilar has been for me a place for peace, for solace, and for prayer,” he said, crediting fervent prayer for his son’s admission to medical school.
Faith deepened through communal celebration
This year’s novena once again revealed the depth of public devotion, said Fr. Onasis D’Cruz, assistant director of St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa.
“Celebrating the Mass on the first day of the novena on Nov. 11 was truly spiritually enriching,” he said. Witnessing the crowds, he added, showed “the deep faith and devotion for Venerable Fr. Agnelo.”
He also led the Nov. 14 night vigil with Fr. Joseph Fernandes, SFX, centered on the theme of God’s covenant. The sincerity of the faithful left a strong impression, which he described as “a moment of grace.”
Stories of healing and perseverance
Some testimonies echo decades of personal longing and answered prayer. Eliza Gomes of Santa Cruz recalled eight painful years without conceiving after her marriage in 1981.
“We strongly believed in the intercession of Fr. Agnelo to bless us with a child,” she said. Confined to bed rest for more than six months, she relied on her husband, who “never missed a Thursday.”
Their son Agnelo was born on July 21, 1988. “I consider Fr. Agnelo a saint and pray that he receives altar honors soon.”
Seminarian Aston Carvalho, SFX, said his journey toward priesthood was influenced deeply by the devotion he witnessed.
“I asked myself, ‘People pray so much, what about me?’” he said. Portraying young Agnelo in a seminary play further grounded his inspiration to embody the saintly priest’s humility and compassion.
A place of refuge for many
Among those who speak of healing is renowned tiatr artist Prince Jacob, who believes he was freed from asthma through Fr. Agnelo’s intercession.
“With faith, I even drank water mixed with the soil from the resting place of Fr. Agnelo, and I was healed,” he said.
Returning for this year’s novena brought renewed comfort. After reaching Pilar and praying at the tomb of Fr. Agnelo, he “felt calm, serene, and completely free from tension.” He said he hopes more families will introduce their children to Pilar’s spiritual heritage.
“I pray that Venerable Agnelo may soon be raised to the altar,” he added.
As the faithful continue to climb the hill of Pilar each week, the life and intercession of Venerable Agnelo remain a source of consolation and hope.
His story, carried in the prayers of thousands, continues to shape journeys of faith and quiet transformation.
