16 December 2023 04:13 am Views - 590
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File photo -Archdeacon Emeritus Ven. Patrick Fernando with the Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Revd. Dushantha Rodrigo in December, 2020
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I first met him when I was doing my field work in Kandy and he was the Assistant Curate at St. Paul’s Church, Kandy. I later spent time with Patrick when he got married and came to spend his honeymoon with my friends Fred and Pansy Pieris. Before the couple returned to Colombo, they visited me and Saro. Since then we were good friends. His wife and their daughters asked me to write an article on Patrick’s special Ordination Anniversary.
Bishops within felt that for the work of the Diocese of Colombo it was not enough to have only Colombo and Jaffna as Archdeaconries, so the Church created two more Archdeaconries in Nuwara Eliya and Galle. Patrick Fernando, who was the Area Dean of Galle, was made the Archdeacon of Galle.
He later wrote a book about his work as the Area Dean and the Archdeacon of Galle. In the book’s introduction, Bishop Duleep wrote that it is valuable for workers of the church to write about their work. I treasure the copy of his book that he gave me.
I was one of those who helped Patrick with his work at the Aramaya. When he wanted to develop the land in the Archdeaconry, I obtained funds for him from my friends overseas. He also developed the Centre for Holidays for Church Workers.
As a distinguished product of the school by the sea, he was invited to be the Chief Guest at the College Prize Giving. I often attended his services to celebrate his Ordination Anniversaries.
I know his wife and their two daughters, his sister, her husband, their son and his brother. I am sorry I missed his funeral, but to all of them I say please be assured of my love and concern always.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Fr. Sydney Knight