Team Herald
PANJIM: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Barreto Anthony Alwyn Fernandes (71) from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Sindhudurg on October 8, 2024. He is the first bishop of the diocese since its formation on July 5, 2005.
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Bishop Fernandes was born on December 22, 1952, in the Archdiocese of Goa-Daman. He studied in Goa and pursued his ecclesiastical studies at St. Charles Seminary in Nagpur for Philosophy and at the Papal Seminary in Pune for Theology. He was ordained a priest on October 13, 1979, and was incardinated into the Diocese of Poona.
After his ordination, he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar at St. Francis Xavier Church, Ajgaon (1980-1984); Parish Priest at Milagres Church, Gauthan (1984-1986); Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Malwan (1986-1989); Parish Priest of Ajgaon and in charge of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kindla (1989-1993); Parish Priest at Holy Family Church, Mangaon (1993); Parish Priest at Immaculate Conception Church, Vengurla; Dean of the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg Districts, as well as the Sub-Districts of Ajra and Gadhinglaj Talukas (1997); Parish Priest at Milagres Church, Sawantwadi (1998); and Parish Priest at Immaculate Conception Church, Vengurla (Sindhudurg District) (2003).
He was appointed bishop of Sindhudurg on July 5, 2005, and was ordained Bishop on October 5, 2005. Bishop Alwyn Barreto is known for his exemplary pastoral qualities and a heart on fire for God and the poor. He served as the chairman of the youth commission in Western Regions Bishops’ Council.
