By Elvis Fernandes
Pilar (Goa), Aug 9, 2022: The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, commonly known as the Society of Pilar, has elected Father Nazareth Rosario Fernandes as the 19th superior general of the Goa-based congregation.
The election was held on August 6 during the congregation’s 20th general chapter.
The chapter also elected Fathers Steevan D’Souza as the vicar general, Anthony Joseph Fernandes as second councilor, Saturnino Almeida as third councilor, Maria Michael as the fourth councilor and Derick Rodrigues as general treasurer.
The general chapter began July 31 with the theme, “In Him – For All, with Hope.” It was an outcome of reflections of the pre-chapter committee.
Committee secretary Father Santosh Mendonca said the quality of the Pilar Society members’ union In Christ is the key to all renewal and mission.
“Being a person who is immersed in Christ would certainly have the mind of Jesus and become a person for all. The terrifying Covid experience, the sociopolitical situation that makes the Church insecure, and the many anxieties of members within the Society led us to include Hope into the theme of the general chapter.”
In his first address to the general chapter, the new general said, “I may not have too many abilities, but I am available to carry on the works of the Society.”
The new general is a native of Loutolim in Goa. He is the son of Joaquim Manuel Fernandes and Maria Joaquina Fernandes. He has four brothers and one sister. He has a licentiate in Church History from the Gregorian University, Rome. He is a professor at the Pilar Theological Seminary.
He has served as the rector of Pilar Niketan, Nagpur, and the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar. He has also worked in the missions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and served as the provincial of the Kolkata province. He has also served in the general council for two terms and was the vicar general during the past five years.
Father Fernandes led a solemn Mass on August 7 in the Pilar Monastery Church. In his homily, the general promised to uphold the constitutions and the traditions of the congregation and “continue to witness and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, especially to those who have not yet known him.”
A felicitation program followed in honor of the new general administration. Speaking on the occasion, the general expressed his gratitude to all the members and appreciated the outgoing administration for all their efforts in guiding the congregation.