Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 3: Fr John Fernandes, a well-known priest and former professor and head of chair of Christianity, Mangalore University, passed away on Saturday July 3. He was 85.
He was born on March 7, 1936 in Udyavar to Jerome and Angeline Fernandes.
Fr Fernandes studied philosophy and theology in Pune and Innsbruck, Austria. He obtained his doctorate in Theology from the University of Trier, Germany and Licentiate in Philosophy from Pune. He was ordained on March 30, 1963 at Innsbruck and Trier, Germany.
As a priest of the Mangalore diocese, his pastoral work included a stint as the director of the Mangala Jyothi, the Diocesan Biblical Liturgical and Catechetical Centre. He was also a professor and head of chair in Christianity, Mangalore University. He had served as assistant parish priest at Bejai and Rosario Cathedral, as a co-pastor at Urwa teaching seminarians, and as parish priest at Hosabettu, Katapady and Belman. He further worked as a professor at St Joseph's Seminary and a resident priest at the Pastoral Institute.
He was the founder president of Catholic Priests Conference of India (CPCI). A prolific writer his publications include books and articles in English, German, Kannada and Konkani.
Fr Fernandes had written a comprehensive autobiography ‘Unbeaten Path’ a few years ago.
He was the recipient of the Herbert Haag Award for Freedom in the Church from Lucerne, Switzerland in 2007.
After his retirement, he was staying at senior priests’ home at St Antony’s Charity Institute.
Funeral rites will take place on Sunday July 4 at 9.30 am. St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor. Covid Restrictions are to be followed. Watch it live below:
Watch interview on Daijiworld TV's 'Hello Father':