Cardinal Charles Maung Bo | Photo www.philippines.licas.news
Oct 30 2020
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES – CARDINAL ANTHONY SOTER FERNANDEZ
Dear Friends,
Peace of Christ.
Just now we received the sad message about the heavenly pilgrimage of our most beloved Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez, the first Malaysian prelate to be honored with Cardinal hat. In his death, the Church has lost an illustrious son of Asia.
We grieve today with the Catholics of Malaysia, as they bid farewell their warm and affectionate church leader. His Eminence followed the great example of the Good Shepherd by knowing his flock intimately, infusing pastoral concern into his long mission.
He was ordained as a priest on 10 December 1966. He was made Bishop and served the Diocese of Penang, from February 1978, until his transfer to Kuala Lumpur. He also served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei from 1987-1990 and 2000-2003. He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory on 19 November 2016, and is the first Malaysian to be made a cardinal.
FABC notes with gratitude his significant contribution to the Church in Malaysia and Asia. His memory is one of a considerate and compassionate pastor, investing his energy in the deepening of the faith of the people, building systems and processes that promoted a church affirming the Vatican II concept of people of God.
He is mourned today by thousands. This is also moment of gratitude to God for the great gift of such a holy prelate, who walked among as the Gospel in Action.
Praying for his eternal rest,
Your Brother in Faith,
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo., SOB
President, Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC)
28 October 2020
