Thoothukudi: Amidst a huge congregation of parishioners and clergy, the funeral mass for former Archbishop of Madurai Roman Catholic Diocese Peter Fernando, who passed away in Madurai on Saturday, was conducted on the premises of Sacred Heart Cathedral here on Monday.
The mass was presided over by Archbishop of Madurai Most. Rev. Anthony Pappusamy. Bishop of Thoothukudi RC Diocese Most. Rev. Yvon Ambroise gave an introduction with a life sketch of the former archbishop, and placed a wreath on his body along with Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Council Bagavatsingh.
The homily was preached by Archbishop of Tiruchi Diocese Most. Rev. Antony Devotta. At the end of the mass, the funeral oration, extolling the virtues and exemplary life of Peter Fernando, was delivered by Archbishop of Kottar Diocese Most. Rev. Peter Remigius. The body was carried by the priests to the cathedral, where the last rites were performed.
The body was buried at the cathedral entrance with bells kept ringing in single stroke.
The Thoothukudi Bishop said Peter Fernando was ordained on May 29, 1971 in Cleaveland, Ohio, USA. Earlier as a priest, he also held responsibilities as Rector of St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchi, and Vicar General of Thoothukudi Diocese. He was the Bishop elect in 1996 and consecrated on May 29, 1996. He also held various responsibilities in the Episcopal Ministries, the Bishop added.
Vicar General Fr. Kirubakaran said during his tenure as Bishop of Thoothukudi Diocese, Peter Fernando created 15 new parishes and he was behind the formation of ‘the legal cell’ to face and respond to legal challenges. In recognition of his service, the State Government honoured him with the status of ‘Senior Counsel’ last year, he said.
Sources said the body of the former archbishop was received by the Thoothukudi Bishop along with members of his curia at Pudurpandiapuram toll gate here at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday.
The body was kept at Cathedral Chapel for his relatives and clergies to pay homage through the night. At 8 a.m. on Monday, the body was shifted to the cathedral. A procession, led by the Madurai Archbishop, Bishops of 14 Dioceses and priests, carrying the body was taken out to reach the stage. Cathedral Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Rayappan also took part.
Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur C. Raju, Radhapuram MLA I.S. Inbadurai and former MLA M. Appavu paid homage.
