//Fr. Dominic Fernandes, SJ (BOM) 1953-2023

Fr. Dominic Fernandes, SJ (BOM) 1953-2023

Fr. Dominic was born in Nagpur on 22nd July 1953. He joined the Society on 20th June 1973. He joined as a Brother and later on discerned to be a Priest in the Society. He was ordained a priest on 3rd May 1987. His many postings include working in Khopoli, Holy Cross – Nashik, St. Micahel’s –  Manickpur, and St. Xavier’s School – Bombay (as administrator). From 2015 onwards he has been involved in the Talasari mission.

Fr. Dominic was a simple and humble person and was never attached to material goods. He lived on God’s providence. He never for once got angry, never had any ill-will against anyone in his heart. As a true pastor, he brought people closer to God. He never missed visiting families – mornings and evenings. But it was the poor people whom he would meet always. His love for the poor was exemplary. He would sit for hours on end, listening to their problems. Fr. Dominic went through difficult years when he was himself struggling with alcoholism. Through his strong determination, he got out of it and used this torrid experience to help his fellow brethren who were suffering from the same cause. To this end, he worked tirelessly and rescued many from this addiction. Fr. Dominic was also a confessor to many priests and religious. He spent hours listening to peoples’ confession. Twice a month he would hear confessions of leprosy patients at Vadoli. He spent hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, asking the Lord the grace to carry out his mission stupendously. Such was Fr Dominic’s life, an example for all of us to be inspired, thus living out the Gospel values.

He was 70 years of age, and would have celebrated his golden jubilee in the Society this June. He will now celebrate it in heaven.

Yohan Alphonso, SJ