NEWS
Fr Bernard Fernandes – an Accomplished Educator, Benevolent Father and Amazing Friend Passes Away
Father Bernard Fernandes SDB (INB) passed away on May 24 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Father Bernard leaves behind a legacy that one can only dream of imitating. He has contributed generously to the education sector for more than a decade. The teachers under his mentorship and students under his tutelage have felt his warm Salesian educative presence in their lives.
Father Bernard, born on August 20, 1965, to Mr Joaquim and Mrs Anna Maria Fernandes at Panjim, Goa, made his first profession on May 24, 1984, at Nashik. He completed philosophical studies at Nashik, and theological studies at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore. Ordained on December 18, 1994, at Panjim, Father Bernard served as Prefect of Studies and Catechist until 1999 in Lonavla. He then completed his B.Ed while serving as the hostel in charge at Don Bosco, Panjim.
Father Bernard has served the Province of Bombay as a principal and educator par excellence. As Principal of the esteemed Don Bosco High School at Matunga since 2015, his invaluable experience has led the institution to greater heights. The All-India Education Today Survey 2021-2022 ranked Don Bosco High School, Matunga, in the first place, in India in the Boys’ Day School category. Coinciding with the Oak Anniversary celebrations of the institution, this achievement was a jewel in the crown of the Salesian education imparted in the Province. On receiving the award, Father Bernard said: “As we celebrate our eightieth anniversary, Don Bosco Matunga stands tall today to tell the noble story of the past, inspire the present and redesign the future!”
The funeral service was held on May 26 at 09:00 hours at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Panjim, Goa, and the burial at the Salesian Cemetery at Fatorda, Goa.
Indeed, on the Feast of our Blessed Mother, the Help of Christians, the Salesian Province of Bombay has lost an accomplished educator, a benevolent father and a good friend.
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