(published March 2004)

When I volunteered to do an article on our classmate and a dear friend Tony Fernandes, I estimated it would only take about an hour of my time, and, of course, I was only too happy to give Tony that hour. What I hadn’t anticipated was how much there was to write about Tony. A month later, and I am still grappling with where to start. I have broken two deadlines and am on the verge of missing the third! So let’s just start at the beginning…..

Tony left Nairobi in 1965 to join the Don Bosco Apostolic School in Lonavala, India. His peers took to him immediately, appreciating his calm composure, his politeness and courteousness. Tony’s Kenyan-origins quickly gained him the nickname "Nairobi" as he adapted into his new lifestyle with his trademark of quiet ease and minimum fuss. He became known for his proficiency in soccer, a game he always loved. He also played hockey with a skill that matched any of his new schoolmates. In 1967 he sat his Pre University course exams at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, from where he secured a scholarship in Economics. He then entered "The Retreat", a Novitiate house of the Salesians in Tamil Nadu.

I would like to take the liberty of quoting from a write-up I read on Tony. The article was titled "I walked with an African Lion", written by Fr Mario Vaz SDB, now based in Kurla, India. The paragraph I have chosen reads as follows:

"1967 saw Tony – along with a group of us enter the portals of "the Retreat" a Novitiate house of the Salesians perched on one of the Yerchaud hills in Tamil Nadu. New faces, new lingo, new food, new customs, new lifestyles!! It took us Bombayites quite some time to adjust, specially the breakfast "upamma". It tasted like sawdust and required gallons of tea to wash it down. But somehow this African Lion adapted to this habitat. It was here that his leadership qualities came to be recognized. Nominated captain he was able to energize sagging spirits, soothe ruffled feathers and get people to focus on the task at hand. We also discovered that this Lion could pray – even outside mealtimes – and was capable of mature piety. By now this lion was our mentor. The single year of Novitiate and 2 years of studying philosophy under the best teachers in the Salesian world left its mark on this African.

Whether it was solemn Liturgy, Drama, Music, Polyphonic Choir, Arts, motorized pumps, film projectors and tape recorders, carpentry, stage sets, bald heads, beards and mustaches, coffee estate, gardening, animal husbandry or just building a stone wall to organize a mammoth Oratory Rally & picnics, this lion was always part of the activity, never on the sidelines watching and the experience stood him in good stead for the four years as a Practical Trainee Brother among the boys of Lonavala." ......an awesome testimonial, but in accord with the Tony I knew in school.

Between 1970 to 1974 Tony was assigned to the Aspriantate at Lonavala. This was his first home among the Salesians. The most senior students, a group of about 40 boarders had been entrusted to him. These four years were also graduating years. Studies done under single shaded lamps in the cells of the boys’ dormitories yielded Tony a BA (Hons) degree.

1974-1978 was the wrap-up of his stint in India. He spent these years at the Salesian Theologate in Bangalore. He spent his days immersed in college assignments, theological discussions on issues concerning the church in the world, and then the inevitable exams in front of a panel of professors. Here is where he came into the understanding of the great Salesian family studying and working together. It was a cauldron of Salesians from East, West, North & South India and by all accounts, the "African Lion" not only fitted in, but was, apparently, greatly appreciated.

When the call for men to meet the challenges of East Africa entrusted by the Rector Major to the Salesian of India came, Tony was more than ready. Even the last minute snag in the immigration process did not tamper his sprits. Twelve hours before flight time and an official was telling him, "even Jesus Christ won’t get you out of the country". Tony’s quite response was, "You cannot deny God His will". Fifteen minutes before the aircraft door closed, Tony was released and on his way to do God’s work in the land of his birth.

Tony’s work in Kenya with the Salesian ministry has been dedicated to the service of the poor and disadvantaged youth of that country. He has spearheaded the establishing of trade schools, technical schools and youth centers. He has orchestrated constructive recreational activities for under-privileged African youth. His duties are numerous and, often in primitive and underdeveloped areas. He is the true missionary who has devoted his life to educating youth and giving meaning to their lives. Tony is presently serving as the Shrine Director and Parish Priest of Don Bosco Church, Upper Hill, a post he has held since 1997. In addition to which, he is the Dean of the Nairobi Deanery of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, as well as the Chairman of the Senate of Priests in the Archdiocese.

2003 was 25 years since Tony’s ordination into the priesthood. And, in closing, I once again take the liberty of quoting from the article mentioned before:

"A Silver Jubilee of a priest’s ordination is not just a celebration of time. It is a celebration of the striving for Holiness, the gift of Self to God and others through the Priestly Ministry and an expression of God saying ‘You are still my Predilected One’. I was privileged to rub shoulders with and to be touched for almost 12 years by "Anthony", "Tony", "Nairobi" – call him what you may, but to me he’ll always be the sensitive "African Lion".

I couldn’t have said it better. He has, indeed, been known by many names, one not mentioned above, that a lot of us have been privileged to use and will always remember him by.

It has been a privilege and an honor to write this article. I sincerely hope it will bring as much joy to you reading it, as it has brought to me writing it.

Fall 2014: Fr. Tony Fernandes Appointed Director of the Dominic Savio Retreat Centre (UK)