His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes as the new Bishop of Belgaum. This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, May 1st 2019, at noon. The news was received from Apostolic Nunciature.
His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes was born on May 14th 1954 in Sirsi, Karnataka. He was ordained as the priest of the Diocese of Belgaum on May 5th 1979. He obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law from Urbaniana University in Rome. He was then appointed as an Assistant Parish Priest in 1979 and then Parish Priest of the Holy Cross Church. His service continued till 1983. From 1983, he served as Parish Priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary church at Modage. He was then elected to be the Chancellor and Procurator of the Diocese of Belgaum from 1991 to 2002. Then he was serving as Diocesan Administrator of Belgaum from 2004 to2006. Rev. Derek Fernandes was then elected Bishop of Karwar on February 24th 2007 and consecrated on April 20th 2007 until now.
His Excellency Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General of C.B.C.I. (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India) sent prayerful greetings and best wishes to His Lordship Bishop Derek Fernandes.
