“Bishop-Elect Fernandes is an inspired selection by Pope Francis to lead the Diocese of Columbus. A native Ohioan and son of immigrants, Bishop-Elect Fernandes’ experience as a parish pastor and a leader at two Ohio seminaries will position him for success in leading Central Ohio Catholics. Fran and I look forward to meeting him and supporting his ministry.” – Mike DeWine, Governor, State of Ohio
“The Catholic Conference of Ohio extends our joyful congratulations to Bishop Fernandes and the Diocese of Columbus. We look forward to working with Bishop Fernandes as a member of our Board of Directors and pray that God’s blessings be upon him as he leads the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus.” – Jerry Freewalt, executive director, Catholic Conference of Ohio
“On behalf of the students, alumni, faculty, staff and leadership of Ohio Dominican University, I am delighted to extend a sincere and heartfelt Panther welcome to Bishop-Elect Earl Fernandes. I look forward to working with you to identify opportunities for growth so that we may make a Catholic college education accessible to all who seek personal, professional and spiritual growth in their search for Truth. We are grateful for your advocacy of an education founded in the Catholic Dominican faith tradition, and are committed to working with you and your team to serve the diocese and beyond. Welcome to Columbus, Ohio!” – Connie Gallaher, President of Ohio Dominican University
“The Dominican Sisters of Peace are so happy to welcome Bishop Fernandes to Columbus! We know that he will bring great energy to the preaching of the Gospel. We look forward to helping him in his work of building up the Body of Christ in our Diocese.” – Sister Patricia Twohill, OP, Prioress, Dominican Sisters of Peace
“The missionary community at Damascus is excited to welcome our new Bishop to the Diocese of Columbus. We are praying for a powerful grace of apostolic zeal and enduring intimacy with the Holy Spirit as he steps into this role of service and leadership in our growing diocese!” – Aaron Richards, executive director, Damascus Catholic Mission Campus
“The Federal Association of the Order of Malta is overjoyed at the appointment of Fr. Earl Fernandes to be the 13th Bishop of Columbus. We have heard great things about him and we look forward to years of steady leadership from him. The Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta are committed to helping Bishop Fernandes be as successful as possible in his ministry. We are constantly praying for him and we thank God for our new Shepherd!” -- Charles Mifsud, KM, Board Member of the Federal Association of the Order of Malta
“It is with great joy that the Columbus Region of the Order of Malta welcomes Bishop Fernandes as the thirteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus. We look forward to his leadership and want him to know of our support in any manner he sees fit. We pray that the Good Shepherd pours out His Grace on him. May He Bless and Keep Bishop Fernandes always.” – Leonard Barbe, KM, Columbus Region Hospitaller of the Order of Malta
“The Serra Clubs of Columbus and North Columbus joyfully welcome Bishop Fernandes; we are excited to join with him and all the faithful in prayerfully supporting and promoting a culture of religious vocations in our Diocese.” – Serra Clubs of Columbus
