PILAR: To mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Ven Fr Agnelo, a special postal cover was released by the Department of Posts at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, at Pilar, on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion of 92th Death Anniversary of Ven Fr Agnelo, Sawant said that irrespective of religion, Goans should continue striving to stand united and work together for the growth of the State. “Festive occasions are required as these help people of different faiths to come together and celebrate as one family,” he added.
Sawant emphasised that he is against discrimination and would rather take people of all religions and faiths together and work unitedly for the progress and development of the State.
The Post Master General of Goa Region, N Vinod Kumar said it was an honour to release the postal cover on Fr Agnelo and popularise the good deeds of this saintly priest.
“This cover will go across the world and in turn help gain popularity about this holy man.”
Kumar also hoped for a postal stamp on Fr Agnelo in the near future, which would help to make him better known among the people.
“It would also help to spread his good works and saintly life,” he said.
Earlier, the Archbishop of Agra Diocese Rev Albert D’Souza was the main celebrant for the festive High Mass along with Emeritus Bishop Alex Dias of Port Blair, Superior General of Society of Pilar Fr Seby Mascarenhas; Vicar General Nazareth Fernandes and Vice-Postulator for the cause of Ven Fr Agnelo Fr Tony Fernandes as the co-celebrants.
During the homily, Fr Mascarenhas said that devotion towards Fr Agnelo is one side of the coin.
“But mere devotion with humaneness is nothing,” he noted.
Fr Mascarenhas emphasised that mere visit to church, reciting prayers daily and taking part in prayer service is not sufficient.
“We sometimes fail to reflect on the second aspect of life which is service to others,” he added.
Fr Mascarenhas stated that mere sympathy will not help, “instead devotion towards God should be reflected through humaneness.”
“Devotion is humaneness,” he said, “and if you want to please God, then respect men and reach out to others.”
Reflecting on the life of Fr Agnelo, Fr Mascarenhas said that Fr Agnelo through God’s experience sought goodness of others.
“Through God’s holiness, let us reach out to others without any expectations. If we expect something in return for our good deeds, then that is not true devotion.”
Present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister Babu Kavlekar, Art and Culture Minister, Govind Gawde and other ministers, besides St Andre Constituency MLA Francis Silveira, Sarpanch of Agasaim Village Panchayat Xavier Gracias and other dignitaries.
