Fr Agnelo Jacinto Pinheiro was ordained as the Bishop of Sindhudurg during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at Navsarni, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Sawantwadi, on April 16, 2026. The ordination was conferred by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who served as the Principal Consecrator.
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 Eucharistic celebration and the Rite of Episcopal Ordination were presided over by Cardinal Ferrão. He was assisted by Archbishop John Rodrigues, Archbishop of Bombay and Bishop Anthony Alwyn Barreto, Bishop Emeritus of Sindhudurg as Co-Consecrators. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Archbishop Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, Bishop Simon Almeida, Bishop of Pune, Bishop Barthol Barretto, Bishop of Nasik, several other Bishops and priests
Delivering a homily on the theme “Let your will be done”, Cardinal Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão presented the life of Jesus as the perfect model of obedience to the Father. “These words speak of the entire life of Jesus, the Good Shepherd,” he said, emphasizing that Christ’s mission was fulfilled through total surrender, culminating on the Cross and entrusted to the Church after the Resurrection.
Highlighting vocation as a gift of divine love, he noted, “Our call is a sign of God’s predilection,” while reminding that God does not remove challenges but “assures us of His accompaniment and protection.”
Focusing on the mission of the bishop, he outlined the call to be a Good Shepherd: to know and love the people, to nourish them through the Word, sacraments, and witness, and to gather them into unity. “Communion is the dream of Jesus,” he affirmed.
He concluded by stressing shared responsibility: the bishop is called to remain united with Christ and “become the face of Jesus,” while the faithful are invited to support him through prayer, collaboration, and active participation in the Church’s mission.
Monsignor Andrew D’Melo extended a welcome to the Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli. 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. Fr Andrew D’Melo thanked all. New Bishop Agnelo also expressed his sentiments of gratitude. “The Bishop-elect was ceremoniously welcomed in a procession before the mass, accompanied by the school band of St. Therese High School, Raia.
There was a short felicitation programme, anchored by Fr. Francis D’Souza, during which Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli and Cardinal Ferrão spoke on the occasion.
Faithful, priests and religious from Goa and Sindhudurg participated in the celebration.
The Diocese of Sindhudurg was created on July 5, 2005, and its first Bishop, Bishop Alwyn Barreto, served the diocese for 19 years. With the appointment of Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro, a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman hailing from Raia, Goa, 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.
— Br Malvino Alfonso OCD
