Ref: CBCI- Gen/ Cir - 11/2019                                                                                                         1^st May, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Derek Fernandes appointed as the new Bishop of Belgaum

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

            In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes, until now Bishop of Karwar, as the new Bishop of Belgaum.

This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 1^st May, 2019, at noon, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

            His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes, was born on 14^th May, 1954, in Sirsi, Karnataka, in the then Diocese of Belgaum. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Belgaum on 5^th May, 1979. He has a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Urbaniana University, Rome. He was Assistant Parish Priest and then Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church (1979-1983); Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Modage (1983-1986); Chancellor and Procurator of the Diocese of Belgaum (1991-2002); Diocesan Administrator of Belgaum (2004-2006). He was elected Bishop of Karwar on 24^th February, 2007 and consecrated on 20^th April, 2007.

            We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop Derek Fernandes and assure him of our prayers. We entrust his new ministry to the maternal care of our Heavenly Mother.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI