The son of Indian immigrants becomes bishop in Ohio
Pope Francis appointed Earl Fernandes to lead the Diocese of Columbus, thus becoming the first bishop of Indian origin in the US Church. He is grateful for the faith that sustained his parents even amid many difficulties. His roots in Asia are a treasure for America today.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis named Mgr Earl Fernandes, a priest of Indian origin, as the new bishop of Columbus (Ohio). This is the first time that someone with an immigrant background from India to receive an episcopal appointment.
Born in Toledo (Ohio) on 21 September 1972 into a family from Goa, Fernandes was ordained a priest in 2002 in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, where he has carried out his ministry to this day.
In the following remarks sent to AsiaNews, the new prelate answers our questions about his profile as the son of Indian immigrants and the significance of his appointment for the Church of the United States.
In the United States, there is a great tradition of sons of immigrants becoming bishops. Most commonly this occurred with the Irish, but now more frequently this is also happening with Hispanics and Vietnamese. It is something wonderful because it shows forth the great diversity in the Catholic Church.
Recently my friend Jerome Feudjio was named bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. He was born in Cameroon but was a perfectly well qualified candidate for the office of bishop. More and more, the United States, and the church in the United States, are becoming diverse and perhaps it is time that the make-up of the bishops reflects that diversity. Nevertheless, we need to have good candidates for the office
As a son of an immigrant, I am filled with gratitude and awe at the sacrifices that my parents made for me and my brothers.
The United States offers so much opportunity and so much freedom, and these are gifts. We want to be good stewards of God’s gifts. Life for immigrants is not always easy. It is not always easy to make connections or to understand perfectly the culture; nevertheless, the church offered stability and care, a place of belonging, and a common form of worship which allows us to encounter God who makes all things possible.
In the midst of difficulties and even sufferings, sometimes even prejudice, we begin to understand how close God is to us. Cooperating with God’s grace and working hard can go a long way.
I imagine, as immigrants, my parents had a very strong Catholic identity which they handed to their children in the midst of great cultural change. They wanted their children to have the gift of faith. When many things in America seemed so different to them, the faith and the Church’s liturgy offered consolation and strength.
I am not sure whether Pope Francis intended to send a message about immigration with my appointment. He has been sending a strong message about immigration from the beginning of the pontificate starting with his visit to Lampedusa. Perhaps this is similar to how he has diversified the College of Cardinals.
Having grown up in the United States, I’m perfectly familiar with American culture and customs. I can fit in easily. Bringing a different cultural background to the people of the Diocese of Columbus could enrich the local church.
For example, India has a rich philosophical tradition and Pope John Paul II asked philosophers and theologians in the West to engage that tradition. India also has a tradition of religious tolerance and learning how to live side-by-side with those of diverse faiths. This can be useful as new immigrants come to urban areas especially.
Indian culture and art can also be useful in authentic efforts to evangelize through inculturation without syncretism.
If this is true for Indian culture, we could also say similar things about African Catholics, who are now coming to the United States or Latino Catholics, with their great devotion to the Virgin Mary.
All of these things can enrich the Church in the United States, which at times rather than evangelize the culture has become more like the culture, more secular, more devoid of devotion. I think popular piety can be a great tool in helping incarnate the faith in the Church in the United States.
* Mgr Earl Fernandes is the bishop elect of the Diocese of Columbus (United States)
(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)
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