‘Made in Goa’ priest to generate content for Asian Catholic airwaves

PANJIM: Well-known Goan priest, 45-year-old Fr Feroz Fernandes, SFX, who is currently operating from his native place on Divar Island, has taken charge as chief content editor at Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a pan-Asian radio service of the Catholic Bishops of Asia that was established in 1969 and strives to share Christ with global Asians. 

The announcement was made by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). Rev Fr George Plathottam, Executive Secretary of the FABC-Office of Social Communication, while stating that the appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed, detailed the reasons for selecting Fernandes. 

“We have taken note of your academic qualifications and experience as a priest and your services in the media ministry of the Church. As you have shown maturity, competence and commitment in carrying out your various responsibilities, we are confident that you will be able to devote yourself wholeheartedly to carry out the mission of RVA, particularly in the early years of its transition from Short Wave to Digital Online service,” Plathottam said.

He added that Fernandes’ talents and hard work would be essential to ensure that RVA grows in further strength and vitality, while also thanking the Pilar Society for making the priest’s services available to the Church in Asia.

Speaking to Herald, Fernandes said that the RVA job profile is extensive and challenging. “I look forward to navigating different Asian scenarios to keep the mission RVA relevant to the times. My new role as RVA’s chief content editor will place me in a humble spot to listen, discern and make positive interventions in people’s lives.”

He added, “I love journalism of hope and inspiration – narratives that liberate from the existential traps. I join RVA confident that good things are possible and we can make it happen with the help of God and people of goodwill and positive actions.”

Speaking on the advent of social media, he said he is there to evangelise. “The emerging algorithm-centric media is attractive. I want to be part of the trajectory that leads to God – understanding God’s algorithm of love and mercy to reach others. I am on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and texting apps,” the social media savvy priest said.

Incidentally, Fernandes is in Goa due to the pandemic as opposed to being in the Philippines. “We had to realign the original plan to move into Manila in June 2021 due to the global pandemic. I am supposed to be based in Manila, Philippines, the headquarters of Radio Veritas Asia. Currently, I am in Naroa (Narva) connected online to my office. It’s beautiful to be in Divar in the monsoons,” Fernandes said, adding, “Goa continues to be a metaphor for happiness with devout and friendly people.”

He said he was ‘made in Goa’, the State he was born in and ordained in and where he completed a part of his education. He is also a member of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), and was their joint secretary.

He has immersed himself in building leadership capacities of priests and nuns, understating strategies to navigate issues without compromising faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church’s teaching.

“I look at RVA as a continuation of my missionary apostolate following the FABC’s vision of dialogue with religions, cultures and promote solidarity with the poor,” he added.