The Most Reverend Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, the 7th Archbishop of Colombo was called to Eternal Rest last night (April 10) at his residence at “Emmaus House” Tewatte, Ragama. He was retired and was 87 years old at the time of his demise.
Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando was born on December 6, 1932 and was Ordained as a priest on December 20, 1959.
He was Ordained as a Bishop on May 14, 1977 and served his term as an Archbishop of Colombo from 1977 to 2002 until his retirement on July 6, 2002.
Issuing a statement the Archdiocesan Director for Social Communications Fr. Jude Chrysantha Fernando said the late Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando will be awarded a State Funeral as he had been the Archbishop of Colombo for more than 25 years.
His mortal remains will be brought to the Archbishop House chapel at 4 pm Saturday (April 11).
Today (12 ) at 11 am. His remains will be taken to St. Mary’s church at Grand Street, Negombo, his home town.
The Funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 pm. Monday, April 13 at St. Mary’s Church, Grand Street.
The Archdiocesan Director for Social Communications Fr. Jude Chrysantha Fernando advised all Catholics not to visit the Body and not to participate in the funeral service under the current situation in the country, as curfew is enforced.
He said the funeral of the late Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando will be telecast live on State television.