Media Release

Sohar, Aug 29: Sunday was an auspicious day for the parishioners of St Anthony's Church, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman. Fr Augustine Fernandes OFM cap was installed as the new parish priest at the 8 pm mass.

Fr Augustine Fernandes was born on March 7, 1975 in Jagra village of Chikmagalur district. He did his schooling at Uppinangadi, Mangaluru and continued his education at Bankal. He obtained his degree from Mysore University.

He completed his philosophical studies at Bengaluru and his theological studies at Mysuru. He was ordained priest on May 3, 2006 at Mangaluru, India. After his ordination Fr Augustine was appointed at Ranchi, India. Later he was appointed as asst parish priest at St Mary's Catholic Church, Al Ain, UAE.

On April 12, he assumed charge at St Anthony's Catholic Church, Sohar, Oman as asst parish priest.

The mass began with a procession at 8 pm from the parish hall. The procession was led by altar servers, followed by the catechist, parish council members, lectors, priests and finally Bishop Paul Hinder.

Apart from Fr Johnson, parish priest and Fr Augustine, asst parish priest the mass was attended by guest priests from other parishes. They were Fr Raul Ramos, parish priest, St Peter & Paul church, Ruwi, Fr Wilson Rumao, Custos Paul John, Fr Stalin Varghese, parish priest, Al Ain, UAE and Bishop Paul Hinder, vicar apostolic, vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Beautiful hymns were sung by the choir led by Franky Monis. After the homily, Bishop Paul observed the oath taken by Fr Augustine as parish priest of St Anthony's Catholic church, Sohar. Fr Augustine thanked everyone and promised to keep the unity and diversity of the parish growing. Hundreds of parishioners gathered to witness this event.