Condolence Message
I was deeply saddened by the news that former Archbishop of Colombo, His Lordship Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando had passed away.
His Lordship Nicholas Marcus Fernando will always be remembered as a great man who devoted his entire life to God and to the betterment and spirituality of the Catholic community in Sri Lanka.
Having extensively studied theology and philosophy from the highest religious institutes and universities in a number of countries, including England and Italy, His Lordship willingly committed his life to the will of the Lord. His Lordship Marcus Fernando became the seventh Archbishop of Colombo at a very young age. His unfailing service for nearly 25 years, preserving the dignity of the Office earned His Lordship the deep appreciation and respect from not only the Catholic community but from all Sri Lankans.
His Lordship was greatly admired by the Catholic community for his organizing and management strengths. His Lordship as an efficient administrator oversaw Pope John Paul II’s visit to Sri Lanka in January 1995.
His Lordship’s simplicity and compassion won the trust of all Sri Lankans. The close association His Lordship maintained with all Buddhist Prelates and other religious leaders embellished the religious coexistence in Sri Lanka. It is with immense gratitude that all Sri Lankans pay tribute to His Lordship and his life’s work.
May His Lordship Nicholas Marcus Fernando rest now forever in the peace of Christ.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
April 13th, 2020
