Canonisation of Shillong's Bishop Stephen Fernando

Shillong, Aug 16 (UNI) A Roman Catholic Church here has started the process of canonisation the second Bishop of Shillong, Stephen Fernando, as a saint.

The first phase of the canonization known as the "diocesan process" which began on October 3, 2003, conpleted at St Margaret's Higher Secondary School auditorium here on August 13, said Fr Enrico Covolo SDB.

Italian born Bishop Fernando landed heren 1923 and serving the people of Northeast for the past 34 years as a shepherd and sprad knowledge among the people of Shillong and Asom.

He died on June 20,1978 after he went back to Italy. His mortal remains were brought back to Shillong nine years later and interned in the chapel of St Margaret's Convent.

Talking to reporters, Fr Covolo, the Postulator General of the Salesian Congregation, said the purpose of the ''diocesan process'' was to learn about the Bishop's life from all those who knew him.

" Some 70 people, who had shared their experience with the Bishop, were examined by a tribunal set up in 2003," he said adding that a similar tribunal in Italy had heard 24 witnesses.

He further added the 'diocesan process' also studies the life, virtue and fame of sanctity of the servant of God.

"Scientific experts and theologians would examine the miracles that took place with the Bishop," Fr Covolo added.

"I would submit the documents related to life and works of Bishop Fernando to the Salesian Congregation for cause of sainthood in Rome," he said.

Bishop Fernando was appointed as Bishop of Krishnagar 1934 and the following year as Bishop of Shillong Archdiocese. He had also founded the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, Fr covolo informed.

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