Goa: Fr. Nazareth Rosario Fernandes from Loutolim, Goa, was elected the 19th Superior General of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, commonly known as the Society of Pilar.
Photo (From Left to Right): Fr. Derick Rodrigues (General Treasurer), Fr. Steevan D’Souza (Vicar General), Fr. Nazareth Rosario Fernandes (Superior General), Fr. Anthony Joseph Fernandes (2nd Councillor), Fr. Saturnino Almeida (3rd Councillor), Fr. Maria Michael (4th Councillor).
The election of the new Superior General was held on the morning of 6th of August, 2022 during the 20th General Chapter of the Society of Pilar. Later in the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Steevan D’Souza from Udupi was elected as the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph Fernandes from Raia as 2nd Councillor, Rev. Fr. Saturnino Almeida from Goa Velha as 3rd Councillor, Rev. Fr. Maria Michael from Tuticorin as 4th Councillor and Rev. Fr. Derick Rodrigues from Verna as General Treasurer.
The General Chapter commenced on 31st July 2022 at 6:30 pm with an overarching theme, “In Him – For All, with Hope.” This theme was an outcome of profound reflections of the Pre-Chapter Committee. Fr. Santosh Mendonca, the Secretary of the Pre-Chapter committee, said, “that the quality of our union In Christ, is the key to all renewal and mission”. He further said, “Being a person who is immersed in Christ would certainly have the mind of Jesus and become a person For All. The terrifying Covid experience, the socio-political situation that makes the church insecure, and the many anxieties of members within the society, led us to include Hope into the theme of the General Chapter”.
In his first address to the capitulars of the General Chapter, Fr. Fernandes said, “I may not have too many abilities, but I am available to carry on the works of the Society”. Fr. Fernandes is the son of Joaquim Manuel Fernandes and Maria Joaquina Fernandes and has four brothers and a sister. He has a licentiate in Church History from the Gregorian University, Rome and is a professor at the Pilar Theological Seminary. He served as Rector of Pilar Niketan, Nagpur, and also at the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar. He has laboured extensively in the missions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has served as Provincial Superior of the Kolkata Province. He also served in the General Council for two terms and was the Vicar General of the Society of Pilar during the last five years.
On the following day of the election (7th of August), a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided by the Fr. General, was celebrated in the Pilar Monastery Church. During his homily, Fr. General said, “I will uphold the Constitutions and the traditions of the Society of Pilar and continue to witness and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, especially to those who have not yet known him”.
A felicitation programme followed in honour of the New General Administration. Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Nazareth expressed his gratitude to all the members and appreciated the outgoing administration for all their efforts in guiding the Society.
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