Kollam: Initiating the steps to elevate Rev. Bishop Jerome M. Fernandez to sainthood, the Church in Kollam has declared him as 'Servant of God.' This was announced by Kollam Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery during a holy Mass at the Infant Jesus Cathedral at Thangassery here.
The sermons were led by Archbishop M. Soosapakiam in the presence of various Latin Catholic bishops. A portrait of Bishop Jerome was also unveiled at the cathedral.
The proceedings for the canonisation of Bishop Jerome were initiated with a delegation from the Church visiting Vatican in 2018 and handing over the testimonies of miraculous acts by the bishop.
Bishop Jerome M. Fernandez was born at Koyivila here on September 8, 1901. In 1915, he joined St. Raphael's Minor Seminary, completed his high school studies in St. Aloysius School, and was enrolled in St. Teresa's Major Seminary, which was the western wing of what is now Fatima College.
On completing his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained priest on March 24, 1928. In 1937, Fr. Jerome, 36, was consecrated as the First Indian Bishop of Quilon by Pope John XXII. He was the youngest bishop in the world. He worked in the fields of education, humanitarian activities and charity. He died on February 27, 1992.
