Media Release

Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 3: Bishop emeritus Anthony Fernandes passed away following a blood clot in the brain and multiple organ failure on Friday February 3. He was 86.

The bishop was born on July 6, 1936, in Kalathur in Udupi to David and Bridgit Fernandes. Among the three siblings he is the eldest one. After his high school studies at Don Bosco School, Shriva, diocese of Udupi, he joined the diocese of Varanasi. He had his initial formation at St Paul’s Minor Seminary, in Lucknow. He completed his Philosophical and Theological studies from St Joseph’s Regional Seminary in Allahabad. He was ordained to the priesthood during the Eucharistic Congress held in Mumbai on December 2, 1964.

The twenty-six years of his priestly ministry in Varanasi and Gorakhpur speaks itself the various activities in all areas of pastoral concerns. He felt a great sense of responsibility, especially for the poor and the needy, the education of children both in the boarding houses and schools and empowerment of women. He was serving as vicar general of Varanasi when he was appointed the first bishop of Bareilly on January 19, 1989. His ordination as bishop followed on March 29, 1989 at St Alphonsus Cathedral, Bareilly.

The mortal remains of Bishop Anthony Fernandes will be brought to St Alphonsus Cathedral, Bareilly on February 3 at 6 pm. Requiem Mass for his repose shall be held on February 6 at 11 am. Thereafter, he will be laid to rest in the Clergy Cemetery at Harunagla.