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| Monday, 13 October 2003 |
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by Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent The golden jubilee spanning 50 years of priesthood of Very Reverend Father D. Emmanuel Fernando who hails from Chilaw, was celebrated in a fitting manner recently. This humble and devout pastor, who I have associated with and known for many years never waned in his spiritual fervour or led a flamboyant and ostentatious life - but was always resigned to the will of God and worked steadfastly in a self-effacing manner for the propagation of the Kingdom of God and edification of his flock. He happened to sojourn incognito to most of his countrymen in Chilaw, his birth place, because his ministry was pivoted mostly on the Catholics and other believers outside the Chilaw town. Fr. Emmanuel was ordained on 24th August 1953 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Ignatius Glennie, S. J. (Society of Jesus), the late Bishop of Trincomalee. Fr. Emmanuel is a tireless social worker. He pioneered an Anti-alcoholic campaign and was in the vanguard of a peace committee at Medawatta and Suduwella off Chilaw to foster healthy ties of brotherhood, rapport and amity with all communities without any discrimination. He built a parish hall and started a pre-school there for children. He was also at the helm of many other associations and committees. Striving for the needs and welfare of fishermen scattered on the beach front, he also formed a Fishermen's Co-operative society for Medawatta and Suduwella. The milestones of his chequered career were that his first stint was appointment as assistant parish priest, St. Sebastian's church, Katuneriya and from there he was promoted as Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Polgahawela. Fr. Emmanuel was appointed as Rector, St. Paul's Minor Seminary, Marawila in 1962 and thereafter he proceeded to Rome for higher studies where he was awarded the Doctorate in Sacred Theology. He returned to the Marawila seminary and remained there from 1963 to 1969. He then assumed duties as the Parish Priest of Irabadagama, Sandalankawa. His mission there was focused on social and economic development of his parishioners. His forte was to establish pre-schools for the welfare of kids without any distinction and he started pre-schools at Irabadagama and Hetirippuwa. He was the Administrator of the renowned Catholic Shrine of St. Anne, Talawila in 1973. There he encouraged the villagers to cultivate the land and today onions and vegetables of all types are grown in a large scale and transported to the metropolis in great quantities and they now make a mint of money. Any casual visitor can see the transformation of the village and people are well off. He also commenced several projects with the assistance of the SEDEC. Fr. Emmanuel continued his ministry in 1980 as Parish Priest, Katuneriya where he initiated the task of opening new pre-schools at Ihala Katuneriya and Katuneriya. In 1987 he left for a long vacation to New York, USA where he gathered first hand knowledge in many aspects to dispense a fruitful Apostolate. Though Father Emmanuel has now advanced in years with wisdom, his beaming smile and gentle demeanour in admonishing and instructing people has never diminished over the years. It's remarkable that he still works indefatigably and dynamically in a church in picturesque surroundings amidst flexing and oscillating coconut trees on the windy, sunny beach front, in close proximity to Chilaw - and he never plans to live a cosy, retired and reclusive life, away from his followers, but he wishes to continue till His Heavenly Father beckons him - and the Lord will say: You have done well, my good and faithful servant; I'll reward you eternally". We wish him long life, and May God bless and grant him happiness and the strength to continue his self-less and dedicated mission in the Lord's Vineyard for many more years to come! |
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