Fr. Manuel: 50 years Shepherding the flock

Fr. Manuel (Manu) Fernandes hailing from Cavorim, completed 50 glorious years
shepherding the Lord’s flock since the first Eucharist celebration he held on 15 th May 1975 at the Nossa Senhora de Belem Church in his home village. He was
ordained the same day by then Archbishop Raul Gonsalves.

Born of Andre E Fernandes and Henriquette Pereira, he initially studied at Fr. Agnel before joining the Rachol Seminary. He also attained BA degree in history from Pune University.

Fr. Manuel has served the Archdiocese in various positions beginning as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Thomas Church, Cansaulim, and then at Margao followed by Anjuna after which he was appointed Secretary to the Patriarch Raul Gonsalves.

He functioned as Chaplain of Mother of God Chapel at Corjuem and also the school manager. After Corjuem, Fr. Manual was appointed Parish Priest to Mother of Poor Church at Tilamol where he was also the manager of the Parochial school.

Then he served as Parish Priest at Betul, Colva, Corlim, Loutolim, Moira, Canacona and Cuncolim where he also officiated as the Manager of the Parochial School. Besides, he was the Dean of Margao, Canacona and Chinchinim Deaneries.

Fr. Manuel also served as the Administrator of the Patriarchal Seminary at Rachol. Currently, he is serving on the Staff of Our Lady of Mercy Church at Colva.

 Fr. Manuel celebrated mass at Chandor Church to mark his Golden Jubilee which was followed by a gathering at the premises of Chandor Club which was attended by Auxiliary Bishop Simao who also hails from the same parish. Incidentally, former president of Chandor Club and former general secretary of Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott. Basil Fernandes is Fr. Manuel’s brother.