India: Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Begins Mission in Sindhudurg with Call to “Do God’s Will”
Goa archdiocesan priest Fr. Agnelo Jacinto Pinheiro was ordained as the second bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg on April 16, 2026, marking the beginning of his episcopal ministry in western India.
The ordination took place during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the diocesan pastoral center in Sawantwadi. Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman served as the principal consecrator, with Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay and Bishop Anthony Alwyn Barreto, Bishop-emeritus of Sindhudurg as co-consecrators.
Among those present were Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Bishop Simon Almeida of Pune, Bishop Barthol Barretto of Nasik, along with several other bishops, priests, religious, and faithful from Goa and Sindhudurg.
Bishop Pinheiro had been appointed by Pope Leo XIV on February 14, 2026, becoming the second bishop of the diocese, which was established in 2005.
In his homily, Archbishop Ferrão reflected on the theme “Thy will be done,” describing the bishop’s vocation as rooted in God’s loving choice and modeled on Christ’s obedience. “Our call is a sign of God’s predilection,” Archbishop Ferrão said, emphasizing that God does not promise a life without challenges but assures His presence and protection.
He highlighted the mission of a bishop in the image of the Good Shepherd: to know the people with closeness and love, especially the poor and those on the peripheries; to nourish them through the Word of God, the sacraments, and a life of witness; and to gather them into unity. “Communion is the dream of Jesus,” Archbishop Ferrão said.
Archbishop Ferrão also noted that Bishop Pinheiro is called to remain united with Christ and “become the face of Jesus” for his people, while the faithful are invited to support him through prayer and collaboration in the Church’s mission.
The Diocese of Sindhudurg, located in the Konkan coastal region of Maharashtra, was erected on July 5, 2005. Its first bishop, Bishop Anthony Alwyn Barreto, served the diocese for 19 years.
Bishop Pinheiro, a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman from Raia, Goa, begins his ministry with the episcopal motto “Thy will be done,” reflecting his commitment to faithful obedience and service in the mission entrusted to him.
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