PANAJI
It was a visit to Goa as an 11-year-old boy and his closeness to St Francis Xavier that inspired Bishop-elect Earl K Fernandes, who will be the next bishop of the Diocese of Columbus in Ohio-USA, to be focused on the mission of evangelisation.
The bishop-elect, who traces his roots to Aldona, said he also admires the ancient roots of the faith in Goa.
Speaking to The Goan, Bishop-elect Earl K Fernandes (49), who will be the first Indian-American to head a Roman Catholic diocese in the USA, recalled fond memories of his visit to Goa and the roots of his spiritual journey.
“I have been to Goa before but the clearest memories are from my visit there in 1983. I was only 11 years old, but I felt especially close at that time to Saint Francis Xavier, who inspired me to always want to be focused on the mission of evangelisation.”
“I also admired the ancient roots of the faith in Goa,” the bishop-elect added.
In his message to the people of Goa, Bishop-elect Fernandes said: “It is with great joy and pride, knowing my family roots are in Goa, that I accepted the appointment as Bishop of Columbus, hoping to make a real contribution to the ongoing mission of evangelisation.”
“I thank everyone for your prayers but ask for a continuation of them as I begin my new mission and responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, people in Aldona have been overjoyed that a priest who traces his roots to Ranoi-Aldona, has been appointed the next bishop of the Diocese of Columbus.
News of the appointment went viral on social media, with messages of congratulations and prayers for his new mission pouring in from Aldona and across the world.
“It's a matter of joy and pride to know that Fr Earl Fernandes, who has his roots in Aldona, has been appointed as Bishop to the Diocese of Columbus in the US. We wish him God's choicest blessings to shepherd the flock of Christ entrusted to his care with the vision of a synodal Church that the Bishop-elect wishes to carry forward,” said Aldona Parish Priest Fr Tomas Lobo.
Added Antonette Paul of Ranoi on the ‘Aldona Matters’ facebook page: “Congratulations to Bishop-elect Earl Fernandes. Proud moment for Aldona and Ranoi. We pray that God may bless him with good health, wisdom and happiness to continue his priestly ministry.”
