Goan Priest to Head News at FABC’s Pan-Asian Radio

Panaji: A Goan priest from the Pilar Society has taken over as the chief content editor of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a pan-Asian radio service of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

Fr Feroz Fernandes (45), who hails from Naroa-Divar and will now be based at Manila-Philipines, was appointed to the senior post on the basis of his academic qualifications, experience as a priest and his services in the media ministry of the Church, stated Fr George Plathottam SDB, Executive Secretary at the FABC Office of Social Communication.

Fr Plathottam expressed his gratitude to Superior General of the Pilar Society for releasing Fr Fernandes for his services to the FABC.

Fr Fernandes will be required to provide authentic, accurate and relevant content for the RVA, follow up the training of producers of various language services and to work in close collaboration with the program department and the management and other colleagues.

In addition, he will devote himself whole heartedly to carry out the mission of RVA, particularly in the early years of its transition from short wave to digital online service.

Ordained a priest at the Holy Spirit Church in Naroa-Divar in 2002, Fr Fernandes holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sikkim Manipal University, India (2012) and Master of Science in Public Service Management, DePaul University, Chicago, USA (2018).

He had earlier served as editor-in-chief of a Konkani weekly “Vauraddeancho Ixtt” from 2008 to 2013.

Considered the only continental Catholic radio service to proclaim the Gospel to people of Asia and Asians across the world, the RVA has 22 language services and plays a key role in the FABC.

When contacted, Fr Fernandes says he looks forward to work along with dedicated persons fuelled by faith in Christ in the service of humanity.

“I do not believe in coincidence – things do not just happen. I felt drawn towards the mission of RVA, as I humbly accepted the offer to shoulder the arduous responsibility. I trust God and am confident in the skill set of my co-workers, especially the collaborators in the 22 language services across Asia,” said Fr Fernandes.

Fr Fernandes said he has been using social media to evangelise and has been active on texting apps, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

“I look at Radio Veritas Asia as a continuation of my missionary apostolate following the FABC’s vision of dialogue with religions, cultures and promote solidarity with the poor,” he added.

THE GOAN NETWORK