Sunday Times 2
A living saint who exemplifies humble leadership
I firmly believe that a person should be appreciated during his life time. Therefore, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and honour that I write this short biography of His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando, while reflecting upon his holy and saintly qualities I have found in him.
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando
I have been fortunate to see saints when they were living. Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa of Culcutta are now saints. I was lucky to have had a close association with Mother Maria Diletta of Lansigama. She went to Jesus in 2010 and I believe that she is also a saint. Next is Theodora who was at the parlour of the Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa. She is with Jesus and I believe that she is also a saint. I am privileged to be a close associate of His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando who I believe is a living saint.
The youngest ever secular Archbishop of Colombo
Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, the first Diocesan Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka was chosen to shepherd the flock from May 14, 1977 at the retirement of Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Cardinal Cooray O.M.I. He is the first and the youngest ever secular Archbishop of Colombo. He was 45 when he was called to shoulder such a solemn responsibility.
Humble beginning
On December 6, 1932, he was born to a family in Munnakkara; a fishing village in Negombo. Having begun his primary education at the village school in the Tamil medium, he was admitted to St. Mary’s College, Negombo, for English medium education. God tapped on his heart through a nun who taught him Catechism. He was selected to St Aloysius’ Minor Seminary, Borella, and joined a class of friends, three of whom became bishops — Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando (late Bishop of Chilaw), Rev. Dr. Raymond Peiris (late Bishop of Kurunegala) and Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis.
Priestly ordination
He was ordained on December 19, 1959 in Rome and this is the sixtieth anniversary year of his ordination. On his return to the island, he was selected to be on the academic staff at St. Peter’s College, Colombo and before being a lecturer at the National Seminary Ampitiya, Kandy, he was sent back to Rome for his doctoral studies. Wasn’t it a rare instance that an ordinary priest like him, lecturing at the National Seminary, was elevated to the exalted position of Archbishop of Colombo?
The entire Church of Sri Lanka acknowledges and appreciates that he was successful in his ministry. According to the cannon law, a priest or a bishop should retire at the age of seventy five. Human beings by nature are power hungry. They usually yearn for authority. His Grace was an exception and offered his scepter to Archbishop Oswald Gomis who was his Auxiliary Bishop for three decades. His sacrifice and example is extraordinary. Many who retire from their hierarchical order struggle with an identity crisis. He has been an exception to many leaders who are greedy for power and luxury. According to the teachings of the main religions in our country, ‘detachment from worldly things’ is the beginning of finding of the path to heaven.
The saintly Archbishop I know
You would agree with me if I call myself fortunate to hold the blessed hand and maintain a close and healthy association with the first secular Archbishop of Colombo for almost fifteen years. People by nature are more critical minded in attitudes. Yet I have not come across anyone speaking ill of His Grace. Faces begin to bloom when I happen to speak of him with anyone, especially anyone known to him personally.
Let me share some personal experiences with you. Whenever I visited His Grace (Except recent visits because His Grace feels tired soon due to his age) we usually discussed many important topics; spiritual, social, personal etc. One fine day during our conversation, he said something but it did not hurt me. When I opened my emails that night I was rather surprised to see His Grace had dropped me an email apologising for what he had said.
On another occasion I visited His Grace with an Indian Marist Brother. His Grace is a good host. He plays the role of a humble servant. He served us cake. The cake was soft and a piece of cake fell near the feet of the Brother when he was helping himself. His Grace bent down to pick it up. We were taken by surprise. Can you imagine an Archbishop kneeling before an ordinary person to pick up a piece of cake on the floor?
Spirituality
I have not heard him criticising anyone or anyone criticizing him. When there were instances where he knew that it was wrong, he was intelligent in passing comments. The Archbishop is a genuine human being full of spirituality. He is honest and truthful but is strong and bold before injustice. I felt no fear when he was with me. He was optimistic when facing any constructive criticism. He taught Latin and was interested to know about the new methods of teaching to make his teaching more effective. When I told him about some methods of teaching, he was humble and honest to say ‘I didn’t know that before.’ I can write volumes about him. Yet let me conclude by highlighting some noble qualities of His Grace. He is simple and down to earth. He is trustworthy. He is methodical and maintains a diary where he writes all the important incidents every day. He is decent. In short, he is holy and spiritual. Greatness of humanity is the first step of sainthood. May the Good Lord touch him with His abundant blessings throughout!
Ajith Perera