Fr Agnelo had been appointed Bishop of Sindhudurg by Pope Leo XIV on February 14, 2026. His episcopal ordination marks a significant moment in the history of the diocese, as he becomes the second Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg.
The Bishop-elect was ceremoniously welcomed in a procession before Mass, accompanied by the school band of St Theresa's Convent High school, Raia.
The Eucharistic celebration and the Rite of Episcopal Ordination were presided over by Cardinal Ferrão. He was assisted by Archbishop of Bombay John Rodrigues and Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg Anthony Alwyn Barreto as Co-Consecrators.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado, Bishop of Pune Simon Almeida, Bishop of Nashik Barthol Barretto, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa Simiao Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Aleixo Dias, several other bishops and priests. A number of people from Goa and Sindhudurg participated in the celebration.
Delivering a homily on the theme “Let your will be done”, Cardinal Ferrão highlighted vocation as a gift of divine love.
Monsignor Andrew D’Melo extended a welcome to Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, while Fr Richard Saldanha introduced the bishop-elect, Monsignor Agnelo Pinheiro. Fr Francis D’Souza served as the liturgical commentator for the ordination, while Fr Milton Monteiro, Convenor of the Committee for the Episcopal Ordination, anchored the programme.
The Papal Bull was read in Latin by Fr Reagan Martins and presented in Konkani translation by Fr Felix Lobo. Fr Reagan Martins led the liturgical signing. The new Bishop Agnelo later expressed his sentiments of gratitude.
There was a short felicitation programme, anchored by Fr Francis D’Souza, during which Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli and Cardinal Ferrão spoke on the occasion.
The Sindhudurg diocese was created on July 5, 2005, and its first Goan Bishop, Bishop Alwyn Barreto, served the diocese for about 19 years.
With the appointment of Bishop Pinheiro, a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and hailing from Raia, the diocese enters a new chapter in its pastoral journey.
Bishop Agnelo is the 64th Bishop of Goan origin to be ordained for service in the Church. His episcopal motto, “Thy will be done,” reflects his commitment to faithful obedience and service in the mission entrusted to him.
