[From L to R] Catherine (niece), Felicia (sister-in-law), Jonathan (brother), Canon Norbert Fernandes, Caron (sister-in-law), Francis (brother) and Jeremy (nephew) during the installation ceremony at the Westminster Cathedral.
THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
In an honour for the Goan community in the UK, Fr Norbert Fernandes has been appointed the first Canon of Goan-origin at the Westminster Cathedral.
Fr Fernandes was conferred the title of a Canon during a special Vespers ceremony at the Westminster Cathedral on February 7.
A canon is an honorary title in the Catholic Church signifying special helpers and advisors among priests to the Cathedral chapter and the bishop, with rights and duties mentioned in the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church.
As part of the installation ceremony, which goes back to pre-Reformation days, Fr Fernandes made a profession of faith and promised obedience and secrecy as demanded by the fraternity of the metropolitan chapter.
Among those present at the installation ceremony included his family, brothers, Jonathan and Francis, his sisters-in-law Felicia and Caron, nephew Jeremy and niece Catherine.
Canon Norbert Fernandes
Asked to describe his initial reaction to being appointed the first Goan Canon of Westminster Cathedral, Fr Fernandes replied: “When Cardinal Vincent Nichols wrote to me asking me to consider being a Canon of Westminster Cathedral (there are 18), I wasn't expecting it. It is an honour. Many clergy of the Diocese have expressed their delight and have said they'll see me as their advocate.”
Commenting on the role of a Canon, Fr Fernandes said the Chapter of Canons are the consultors to the Archbishop in Westminster.
“There's the role of confidentiality in discussions. I'll be present at the many events, services and Masses at Westminster Cathedral,” he said.
Fr Feroz Fernandes, a Pilar Father who is part of the Goan Chaplaincy and presently at the Holy Cross Church Catford in south east of London described the ceremony as “an inspiring expression of faith recognition.”
“It was a celebratory moment for the Goan Community and those associated with the socio-pastoral works of Fr Norbert Fernandes in the Westminster diocese,” he said.
Besides Fr Feroz, other Goan priests present for the installation ceremony included the Goan Chaplain Fr Patrick D’Souza and Fr Tony Fernandes, SDB, a cousin of Fr Norbert Fernandes.
FAMILY, PRIESTHOOD
Fr Fernandes, who traces his roots to Aldona and Cortalim, said his family had moved to the UK six decades ago.
“My father, Joe, and his family went from Aldona to Kenya in the 1920s. My mother, Teresa, and her family went from Cortalim to Kenya in 1930s. My dad and mum met in Nairobi and married there. My older brother, Jonathan, and I were born in Nairobi. We came to England in 1968, settling in Edgware, North London. My younger brother, Francis, was born in UK,” said Fr Fernandes.
Canon Norbert Fernandes along with Councillor Barbara Fitzsimon, Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, during the installation ceremony at the Westminster Cathedral.
Fr Fernandes studied in London at St Vincent's, Mill Hill, then Salvatorian College, Harrow Weald and St Dominic's, Harrow for Sixth Form.
“I wanted to be a priest when I was 6 or 7. I applied to the Archdiocese of Westminster and started training to be a priest when 18 at Allen Hall Seminary, Chelsea, London. I was ordained priest by Cardinal Hume on June 11, 1988.”
Fr Fernandes served for 7 years in Watford, Hertfordshire, then three years as Chaplain of St Charles Sixth Form College in Ladbroke Grove, 10 years as Parish Priest of St Thomas of Canterbury, Fulham. He is presently Parish Priest in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire and has almost completed 15 years.
GOAN IDENTITY
Fr Fernandes said the Goan Community has a significant role to play in parishes in many parts of the country, especially around London.
“They are readers, Eucharistic Ministers and have other responsibilities. My older brother is Chair of his parish's Finance Committee. Goan priests play their part. Parishes here are very diverse with nationalities, cultures and languages,” said Fr Fernandes.
“At our family celebration after the installation ceremony, we had Goan caterers and I chose Xacuti and Sorpatel - my favourites - with Pulao.”
Asked to convey his message to the Goan community, Fr Fernandes said: My message to the Goan Community is to treasure their Catholic Faith, to enjoy their culture and to reach out to others in as many ways as possible. We have a great sense of joy, fun, humour and delicious food. We have much to share! I am so proud to be Goan!”
