By Nirmala Cravalho
Mumbai, April 27, 2026: The bells at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Mumbai rang out in triumph as clergy, religious, and faithful filled in for Mass on April 25. They had come not merely to mark a milestone, but to celebrate a life poured out in service — the golden jubilee of the priestly ordination of Father Cleophas Dominic Fernandes.
For 50 years, the priest whose ordination promise was a “blank cheque” to God has walked with his people, shaping families, forming seminarians, and radiating joy in every corner of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay presided over the thanksgiving liturgy, joined by retired Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, retired Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai, Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Fernandes of Bombay, retired Auxiliary Bishop Allwyn D’Silva of Bombay, and more than 30 priests.
The celebration marked five decades of priestly service by Father Fernandes, Director of the Snehalaya Family Service Centre of the Archdiocese of Bombay. His ministry has been defined by deep faith, pastoral sensitivity, and a commitment to strengthening families and communities.
Archbishop John described him as “a priest who radiates joy and dedication in his vocation,” noting his reverence in celebrating the sacraments and his devotion to the Gospel passage of the Road to Emmaus.
“The Emmaus account is very dear to Father Cleo,” the archbishop said, explaining how it inspired the “Faith Quest” catechetical series that continues to guide catechesis in the archdiocese.
Legacy of leadership and service
Father Fernandes’ pastoral leadership has spanned multiple roles: Director of Catechetics, Rector of St. Pius X Seminary, Director of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, and Director of the Snehalaya Family Service Centre. His work has shaped catechists, seminarians, and families, leaving a lasting impact on faith formation.
Archbishop John recalled his own mother’s experience of being guided by Father Fernandes as a young priest. “With sensitivity and compassion, he guided this group of widows, helping them to discern the deeper meaning of God’s call even within the reality of loss and motherhood,” he said.
Beyond the archdiocese, Father Fernandes, now 78, has contributed nationally through the National Biblical, Catechetical, and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) in Bangalore and internationally through Network Pastoral Asia, an initiative focused on fostering pastoral research, collaboration, and theological reflection within the Asian Catholic Church context.
His leadership has been marked by vision, collaboration, and a commitment to pastoral renewal.
Walking with the People of God
In his thanksgiving address, Father Fernandes reflected on his 50-year journey as a priest. Holding his ordination card inscribed with the words, “I am ready to go with you,” he said: “It was as though I had signed a blank cheque and placed it in the hands of the Lord, saying, ‘You fill in the rest. I am ready to go with You.’”
He described his priesthood as a journey of faith, marked by challenges and joys, and testified to God’s presence even in moments of weakness. “The Lord often transformed my limitations into instruments of grace,” he said.
Father Fernandes emphasized that priesthood is not only about giving but also receiving from the people of God. He spoke of the confessional as “a place of mercy, where I am called to reveal not a judging God, but the compassionate face of the Father.”
Concluding his address, he expressed gratitude to Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop John, Archbishop Felix, bishops, priests, family, and faithful, entrusting all present to God’s blessings. When asked to sum up his priesthood, he simply replied: “The Magnificat: my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
Life of dedication
Born on Sept. 25, 1947, and ordained on April 24, 1976, Father Fernandes holds a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the Catholic Institute of Paris and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Poona.
His academic foundation and pastoral zeal have equipped him to serve in diverse roles, including parish priest, seminary rector, and director of national and diocesan centres.
Since 2019, he has led Snehalaya Family Service Centre, strengthening families through counselling, marital preparation, and welfare initiatives. He is also a respected speaker and writer on pastoral issues, family life, and theology.
Across five decades, Father Fernandes has embodied priestly joy and compassion, walking with the people of God and bearing witness to Christ’s presence. His legacy continues to inspire clergy, families, and communities in India and beyond.
(Photo supplied)