Our Founder

Arch Bishop Rt. Rev. Angelo Fernandes (1913-2000)

Archbishop Fernandes was born into a devout Catholic family of the late John Ligorio and Evelyn Sabina Fernandes in July 28, 1913. He schooled at St. Patrick’s High School and continued to St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore to prepare for his priestly studies. He graduated from the famed Papal University, Kandy, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and was ordained on August 29, 1937 in the Archdiocese of Bombay.

Before his transfer to New Delhi as Coadjutor Archbishop he was Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Bombay. He was consecrated by His Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracias on November 1, 1959. He was Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (1960–1972). He was engaged in pastoral work in Bombay including the fields of education and social service. From 1966-1976 he was appointed Consultor and later member of the Pontifical Academy “Justice and Peace” concerned actively with world cooperation for development at all levels and furtherance of world peace. He was also a member of the Secretariate of the World Synod of Bishops (1971–1974).

Nominated in 1963 by Pope John XXIII to be a member of the Vatican Council Commission “De Episcopis et Diocesium Regimine”. In 1964 Co-opted as member of the Commission “Pro Ecclesia in mundo hujus temporis” Archbishop Fernandes had important links with the Government of India and was considered as an important and eminent invitee for various State Functions.

For the Gandhi Centenary Year he was a member of the National Intergarion Committee. In many respects he was Gandhi-like in both attitude and lifestyle.