A group of former members of Aldona Parish Youth along with Bishop-elect Fr Simião Fernandes, who was their youth animator and Asst Parish Priest of Aldona in the mid-1990s, during the 50th anniversary celebration of the APY in January this year.
PANAJI
Auxiliary Bishop-elect Rev. Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes may hail from Chandor-Salcete, but both he and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão have a special connect to a village in Bardez.
While Cardinal Ferrão hails from Aldona, Fr Simião’s first posting after being ordained as priest in 1993 was to serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Aldona between 1993 and 1995.
It was in Aldona that Fr Simião was a youth animator of the Aldona Parish Youth (APY) and he had played a key role in shaping the youth association.
The parish priest and residents of Aldona fondly remember Fr Simião for his services in Aldona and they were quick to rejoice on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop.
“It was with great joy that we received the news of the appointment of Rev. Fr Simião Fernandes as the Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Goa and Daman,” said Aldona Parish Priest Fr Tomas Lobo.
“We recall with gratitude his services to our parish of Aldona as assistant parish priest during which time he was instrumental in laying a lasting foundation to our parish youth association that coincidentally celebrates this year 50 years of its formation.”
“While conveying our heartfelt congratulations to our new bishop-elect we wish and pray that Jesus our Good Shepherd accompanies and guides him in his new ministry, to lead Christ's flock on the synodal path initiated by our beloved Pope Francis, of communion, participation and mission.”
Aldona Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Moderator Savio Rodrigues said the parishioners of Aldona rejoice with the elevation of Fr Simião Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop.
“We are blessed that we had Fr Simião as the Asst Parish Priest of Aldona from 1993 to 1995. He was instrumental in consolidating the Aldona Parish Youth. He has also contributed in a big way to the ongoing Synodal consultations. All the best in his new assignment in the Lord's Vineyard,” said Rodrigues.
Nick Figueiredo, former moderator of the Aldona PPC, said he was “very proud and happy specially as an Aldonkar to get the news of the appointment of Rev. Fr Simião Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop.”
“Praise be to God and our thanks to our Holy Father Pope Francis for this gift to us. I have fond memories as moderator of the PPC when Fr Simião was a young assistant to the parish priest.
He was and still is simple and a man of few words and a warm smile. Pray that God will bless him and his ministry,” said Figueiredo.
Gail Misquita, the Co-Convenor of the Main Coordinating Committee for the Synod-Goa Team which, incidentally, has been headed by Fr Simião, said: “It is with great joy that we welcome the news that Fr Simião Fernandes has been appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of our Archdiocese.”
“Fr Simião possesses the gifts of all the qualities of a great leader. His foresight and ability to plan, taking into consideration minute details are exceptional. His humility and genuine concern for all has been evident through all my interactions with Fr Simião. We assure him of our prayers and support as he takes on this great responsibility.”
Former APY president Charles Dias, who is presently based in the UK, said Fr Simião always had those special characteristics in leading and engaging with people.
“Fr Simião had a huge influence on the APY during his term at St Thomas Church, Aldona as youth animator. In fact, his jovial approach made him loved by the young and the old. He along with Fr Jose Roque Gonsalves, then Parish Priest of Aldona, were very supportive and would always welcome the ideas from the youth. We would have eventful religious and fun activities throughout the year.”
“I was the youth president for a year during his term and learnt a lot from Fr Simião which helped me in my personal and well as professional life. There are a lot of wonderful memories of Fr Simon at Aldona and we still cherish them,” he added.
Anita Misquita Gomes Pereira, who also served as president of the APY in the mid 1990s, had very fond memories of Fr Simião as the youth animator.
“We have very fond memories of his great service in our Aldona Parish. In fact, I joined the APY after he and then APY president Charles Dias had visited my home inviting me to join the APY. Thanks to you, Fr Simião, I have grown in spirituality and leadership, because you cared to invite me,” she said.
“My prayers for your good health and wisdom to lead the flock and to take on this responsibility with the fervour and enthusiasm you always had.”
