Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Feb 28: Karwar diocese has a new bishop. His Holiness Pope Benedict VI appointed Monsignor Fr Derek Fernandes as the new bishop of Karwar Diocese. This was announced by the Pope in Vatican on February 24 at 4 pm IST.

Monsignor Fr Derek Fernandes was born on May 14, 1954 at Honavar to parents Blaize Fernandes and Juliana Fernandes Nee Gonsalves. Born in a family of 3 boys and one girl, Fr Derek is the third child in the family.

He completed his primary education in Ave Maria Convent, Sirsi and High School studies in Shri Marikamba High School, Sirsi. He joined St Michael’s Seminary, Machhe in 1970 and studied Philosophy and Theology at St Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore between 1972 and 1979.

He was ordained priest at Sirsi on May 5, May 1979. Later he completed his B A from Osmania University, Hyderabad, Doctorate in Canon Law from Urbaninana University Rome and diplomas in German and Italian Languages.

Fr Derek was appointed the assistant parish priest in Holy Cross Church Dharwad in 1979. He served in various capacities in several places. He was the manager of St Joseph’s High School in 1979, parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Dharwad between 1979 and 1983, Director Nirmala Nagar and Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Nirmala Nagar from 1983 to 1986.

He was deputed to Rome for Studies in Canon Law from 1986 to 1990 where he later obtained Doctorate in Canon law from Urban University Rome. He also served as the Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Belgaum in 1990, Judicial Vicar Diocese of Belgaum from 1990.

An ace musician, Fr Derek plays the Violin and the Mouth Organ. He also speaks 7 languages. Fr Derek succeeds Bishop Fr William D'Mello who retired after 30 years of service.