Cardinal Oswald Gracias presents Papal Medals and certificates to Dr Armida Fernandez (left) and Dr Luzito D’Souza (right).
PANAJI
Barely days after being awarded the Padma Shri, Dr Armida Fernandez, a neonatologist of Goan origin, along with Dr Luzito D’Souza, a former Padma Shri awardee and surgical oncologist, also of Goan origin, were among three distinguished members of the Catholic community honoured with the prestigious Papal Medals in Mumbai on Thursday.
The Papal Medals were conferred on Dr Fernandez, Dr D’Souza and Roger C B Pereira by the Archdiocese of Bombay at a ceremony at the Archbishop’s House in Colaba, in recognition of their lifelong contributions to healthcare, social welfare and community leadership.
According to details from the Archdiocese of Bombay Communications Office, the event, presided over by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, underscored the Church’s appreciation for individuals who embody faith through service to humanity.
The programme began with a prayer service led by Archbishop John Rodrigues, setting a reflective tone for the gathering of clergy, family members and community leaders.
Nominations for these honours are typically submitted by bishops or Vatican officials and approved by the Pope, representing a personal distinction rather than a hereditary order. Notable past recipients include philanthropists, diplomats and professionals dedicated to the Church’s global mission.
Dr Armida Fernandez was conferred the title of Lady of the Order of Pope St Sylvester. Cardinal Gracias presented the medal on behalf of the Vatican, praising Dr Fernandez’s unwavering commitment to the vulnerable as a true reflection of Christian compassion.
As the founder of Asia’s first human milk bank at Sion Hospital in 1989, Dr Fernandez has revolutionised newborn care in India. Her groundbreaking work at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General (LTMG) Hospital, where she served as Professor and Head of Neonatology, and later as Dean, focused on enhancing survival rates for premature infants through breastfeeding promotion.
Dr Luzito D’Souza, a distinguished surgical oncologist with decades of experience, received the title of Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great. Cardinal Gracias conferred the honour, highlighting Dr D’Souza’s life of dedication to those facing terminal illness as an inspiring model of service rooted in faith.
Associated with St Elizabeth Hospital, Dr D’Souza is celebrated for introducing palliative care to India through the founding of Shanti Avedna Sadan centres in Mumbai, Goa and Delhi. These facilities provide dignified end-of-life care for terminally ill cancer patients, embodying his ethos of empathy and holistic healing.
Dr D’Souza specialises in managing a wide range of cancers using advanced treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. His contributions to research and his publications have advanced surgical oncology, while his patient-centred approach has earned him acclaim for accurate diagnoses and compassionate care.
Roger C B Pereira, a trailblazer in Indian advertising and public relations with more than five decades of influence, was also awarded a Papal Medal for his exemplary contributions to society and the Catholic community. Cardinal Gracias bestowed the medal, commending Pereira’s blend of professional innovation and faith-driven service as a beacon for future generations.
