Manuel Fernandes: A reflection on life
I am the first born to my parents, Charlie (passed away in 2021) and Santan, and I have two younger brothers; imagine the trauma our parents had to go through. Such is life! You’ve got to accept what’s given and when you make the most of what’s given to you, that’s when you find life meaningful. My brothers have been given Indian names, Adarsh and Arun – blame it on joint family politics! Adarsh is married to Precilla and has been blessed with Abigail and Hannah. Arun, the youngest one chose to be a Diocesan Priest, and I chose to be a Pallottine, which is what brings me to your family. I was ordained on May 10, 2011, at my home parish, St. Joseph’s Kumta, and this is my 15th year of priesthood. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but the Lord has been by my side. My constant concern is whether I am by His side.

My appointments have been a surprise to me; even though I have failed a million times, Christ continues to send me, and His faithfulness is constant. The quote by a Jesuit priest always reassures me of God’s faithfulness: “Above all, trust in the slow work of God. Only God could say what you are gradually forming to be. Give the Lord the benefit of believing that His
hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete. Above all, trust in the slow work of God.”

After my ordination, I was appointed as assistant Priest at St Vincent Pallotti Church Bangalore, India, and after a year, I was transferred to Cape Town, South Africa. What a beautiful place and a warm caring people! I really miss being there; if I do mention Cape Town every time, please forgive me – one cannot forget one’s first love? Speaking about first love … it was in my initial formative years and Fr Socorro Fernandes had been just appointed as our formator… I guess it was his first appointment and we felt at ease with him as if he was our older brother. I vividly remember my conversation with him about my first crush, and as a formator he didn’t admonish me or ask me to pack my bags but with gentle kindness said it’s natural to feel loved and to fall in love. This has had a great impression on me as a person.

During my thirteen years in Cape Town, I have had the privilege to work in different aspects of the Church. I spent ten years at Corpus Christi Parish (four years as assistant and 6 years as Pastor), and then came the shocking news! Archbishop Stephen Brislin requested my superiors to appoint me as his personal assistant. I was like, “Don’t you know I have a quick
temper and I am impatient?” Well, I learned a lot from this humble Archbishop; and when I thought, life could not surprise me anymore, Archbishop Stephen Brislin was made the Cardinal in September 2023, the same time when Pope Leo was made Cardinal. Imagine my glory! Jokes apart, this office taught me patience and humility. I learned a lot from the Cardinal as well his Auxiliary Bishop Sylvester David OMI. I have assisted the Archdiocese of Cape Town as its Episcopal Vicar for Vocations and Seminaries: to accompany and direct the seminarians was a blessing in disguise as it strengthened my vocation.

Alongside of being a personal assistant, I also had the honour of being the Chancellor of the Archdiocese as well as the Moderator of Curia and part of the College of Consultors. So, the last five years have been great fun, patient learning and indeed a blessing. And when His Eminence was transferred to the Diocese of Johannesburg, I guess my superiors decided that I had enough of Cape Town and asked me to return. It is said, when God closes one door, He opens another. Life to me has always been a blessing. And when I look back, gratitude is all I have! However, my brokenness has taught me that I am no different from others and that each one of us is caught up in the mercy of Christ. I’m sure we will have many opportunities
to connect with each other and grow closer to God.

And of course, though all the priests have assured me of your warmth and kindness, I am a bit anxious! Aren’t we all anxious about something or other – some to a greater extent and some to a lesser, but anxious we are! I have cherished a paper cutting from a lady named Ursula Anderson from Corpus Christi, who passed away last year at the age of 99. It has the quote from Minnie Louise Haskins, which reads, “And I said to the man who stood at the gate, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.'”

Friends, no matter how dark life gets, always put your hand into the hand of God and trust in the slow work of God. Thank
you!