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Richard Fernandes celebrates 25th priestly ordination anniversary

Published on Aug 30, 2021

By EMN

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Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes prays during the holy communion at SFS parish in Kohima on Sunday.

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 29 (EMN):
Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes, parish priest of St. Francis de Sales (SFS), celebrated the silver jubilee of his priestly ordination during Sunday morning mass at the church in the state capital Kohima on Sunday.

Delivering a sermon during the Eucharist as the main celebrant, Fernandes cited examples of Jesus Christ and reminded the believers not to "give action on evil things."

"We must overcome evil things and do good deeds to others," said Fernandes who has been rendering his priestly service to the Almighty and people for the past 25 years.

Fernandes, who has also been serving at SFS as parish priest since 2017, said "Our faith becomes strong when good thoughts prevail, therefore be conscious of the evil things within us." He added that "We remain pure and clean when we are able to follow the teachings of our Christ."

While congratulating Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes on attaining 25 years of his priesthood ordination, Thomas Magh, while speaking on behalf of the parishioners, said that "good things come from God." He expressed delight to have a ‘good and faithful person’ in the form of Fernandes into the church, who was ordained on May 14, 1996.

He reminded the parishioners to pray, give love and share their happiness with Fernandes in order to support and strengthen him, especially on the auspicious occasion.

Magh, who is also the secretary general of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), acknowledged the parents of Fernandes for sacrificing a ‘good, loving and caring person’ to be with them through thick and thin.

He, however, expressed regret that his parents couldn't come to celebrate the joyous occasion with them owing to the prevailing situation.

Priestly ministry

Fernandes had served as the assistant priest for two years both at St. Joseph's Parish, Tseminyu, from 1996-97 right after his ordination and later at St. Xavier's Parish, Meluri, from 1997-2000.

He also served as the dean of studies at Good Shepherd Seminary in Dimapur for three years and as the priest in-charge of St. Mary's Centre, Loazaphuhu, from 2002 to 2005.

Fernandes also served as the parish priest of St. Mary's Parish, Lakhuti, from 2005 to 2012 and as the principal of Holy Child School, Burma Camp, Dimapur, from 2012 to 2014.

He was also the project in-charge of Bishop's House, Kohima, from 2014 to 2017 and as SFS parish priest of Kohima town till date.