The new Superior General of the Society of Pilar Father Nazareth Fernandes (left) is welcomed by Father Valente Azavedo, one of the capitulars.
PANAJI
Father Nazareth Rosario Fernandes was elected on Saturday 19th Superior General of the Society of Missionaries of Saint Francis Xavier, commonly known as the Pilar Society.
The election of the new Superior General took place during the 20th General Chapter of the Society of Pilar, which began on August 31 and will continue for another week.
In his first address to the capitulants of the General Chapter, Father Fernandes said: “I may not have too many abilities, but I am available to continue the work of the Society”.
He further expressed his joy and assured to “support the Constitutions and traditions of the Society of Pilar and to continue witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, especially to those who have not yet known him”.
Originally from Loutolim, Father Fernandes is the son of Joaquim Manuel Fernandes and Maria Joaquina Fernandes and has four brothers and one sister.
He holds a Licentiate in Church History from the Gregorian University of Rome and is a professor at the Theological Seminary of Pilar. He served as Rector of Pilar Niketan, Nagpur and also at All India Mission Seminary, Pilar.
He worked extensively in the missions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and served as Provincial Superior of the Province of Kolkata. He also served on the General Council for two terms and served as Vicar General of the Society of Pilar for the past five years.
