Thomas Fernando

Fernando was born on 9 May 1913 in Idinthakarai, a coastal village Tirunelveli district and a Catholic parish of the Diocese of Tuticorin.

[4] Inspired by the spirit of the council, he became the forerunner in implementing its teachings in Tamil Nadu, by reforming liturgical and para-liturgical celebrations.

He promoted catechism, evangelization, liturgy, social communication, Tamil literature, culture and inter-religious dialogue.

[6] As bishop he founded Kalai Kaveri college for music to promote Catholic faith through fine arts.

[7] He established the congregation of the Sacred Heart Sisters, initially to take care of St Joseph Charity Home in Adaikalapuram, a diocesan rite congregation on 19 December 1954 to undertake mission work in the Tuticorin diocese.