User:Johnthomasedison/Jerome M. Fernandez

Most Rev. Jerome M. Fernandez, a man of simple, holy and austere life, was ordained as the first native Bishop of Quilon on 19th December 1937 and he led the Diocese till 1978. That was a glorious chapter in the march of the Diocese towards enduring progress. He worked tirelessly for the educational uplift of the Latin Catholic Community by setting up Colleges, Schools and Technical Institutions. Fatima Mata National College established in 1951 was one of the major achievements, which has changed the face of the Latin Catholic Community of Quilon. He has also contributed to the medical field by founding Bishop Benziger Hospital and the Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, run by Sisters of the Holy Cross, both of which are now famous centres of Medical aid in India. He is renowned as the defender of the rights of poor Fisher folk for whom he formed the ‘Quilon District Fishermen Union’ in 1948. His voice was powerful enough to wake up the Central as well as State Governments into rapid action for the downtrodden community. Inspired by the spirit of Vatican II he led liturgical reform. He is also considered to be the pioneer of Catholic Charismatic Movement in Kerala. Bishop Jerome M. Fernandez attained heavenly abode on February 26, 1992, and his mortal remains are buried in the Infant Jesus Cathedral, Thangasseri, Kollam. He remains, a holy man in the minds of the faithful.