PILAR: Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the Vatican envoy to India and Nepal, stated that family is a crucial point in the pastoral ministry and urged all families to have Christ as the centre of their households. He was speaking at the celebrations to mark the 88th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo at Pilar.
Focusing on the theme for the liturgical celebration, ‘Christian families called to become witnesses of Jesus’ love, Ven Agnelo is an inspiration’, Pinocchio spoke of the special synod held recently in Rome, wherein the challenges of the family were highlighted.
“In Vatican Council II, the family was called the domestic church or little church and education in faith grows in the family through rosary and gospel reading,” Pennacchio said, adding, “We are concerned of the problems of the families. Pope Francis said that marriage in families is in crisis.”
Throwing light on the readings for the day, the archbishop said that St Paul focused on the problems of the families and he had an advice for husbands, wives and children. He added, “The root cause of broken families today is the failure to follow the teachings of St Paul. There are difficulties in families, but they can be overcome with love.”
Pennacchio also said that love and mutual respect is very important and added that Venerable Agnelo would definitely help families in need. He stated, “Venerable Agnelo is an inspiration and his spiritual life can be studied in two phases: pastoral life and spiritual guide. Our dream is to see this saintly man raised to the altar and thousands of devotees at his tomb is a positive and big sign towards his canonization.”
Announcing the Pastoral Year 2016 towards prayers for the beatification of Venerable Agnelo, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, thanked the Vatican convoy for his presence in Goa and prayed for his challenging ministry in India. He added, “We have a great responsibility if God has to bless us with the declaration of Ven Agnelo as a saint. God will fulfill our dream if we work unitedly with devotion and prayers.”
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai, former St Andre MLA Francis Silveira and other officials were present for the celebration.
