Oman: Sunday was an auspicious day for the parishioners of St Anthony’s church, Sohar. Fr Augustine Fernandes OFM cap was installed as the new parish priest of the parish at the 8:00 pm mass.
Fr Augustine Fernandes was born on 7th March 1975 in Jagra village of Chikkamagaluru district. He did his schooling at Uppinangadi in Mangaluru and continued his education at Bankal. He obtained his degree from the Mysore University.
He completed his philosophical studies at Bengaluru and his theological studies at Mysuru. He was ordained as a priest on 3rd May 2006 at Mangalore, India. After his ordination Fr.Augustine was appointed at Ranchi, India. Later he was appointed as Asst. Parish priest at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Al Ain, UAE.
On 12th of April, he assumed charge at St Anthony’s catholic church, Sohar, Oman as Asst. Parish priest.
The Mass began with a procession at 8:00 pm from the parish hall. The procession was led by Altar servers, followed by the Catechist, Parish council members, Lectors, Priests and finally Bishop Paul Hinder.
Apart from Fr Johnson, Parish priest and Fr Augustine, Asst. Parish priest the mass was attended by guest priests from other parishes, they were Fr Raul Ramos, Parish priest, St Peter & Paul church, Ruwi, Fr Wilson Rumao, Custos Paul John, Fr Stalin Varghese, Parish priest, Al Ain, UAE and Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic, Vicariate of Southern Arabia.
Beautiful hymns were sung by the Choir led by Franky Monis. After the homily, Bishop Paul observed the oath taken by Fr Augustine as Parish priest of St Anthony’s Catholic church, Sohar. Fr Augustine thanked everyone and promised to keep the unity and diversity of the parish growing. Hundreds of parishioners had gathered to witness the event.
After the mass light snacks were distributed to all parishioners.