MUMBAI: Four Catholic priests from the city who met with an accident while returning to Mumbai from Nashik on Saturday are under observation in the ICU of Holy Family Hospital, Bandra.
Of them Fr Nelson Machado, Fr Denzil Fernandes and Fr Santan Fernandes are affiliated with St Francis Xavier Church, Vile Parle (W). Fr Pascal Sinor is attached to St Anthony’s Vakola. They were among a group of priests who were visiting Nashik to attend the ordination of Bishop Barthol Barretto.
Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias, who presided over the function, reached Mumbai separately. Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman of the Archdiocese, who attended too, said, “All the priests are conscious and stable but as they have sustained head injuries, the standard protocol of 48 hours of observation is in effect. We will be able to give further information after we get a medical update from the hospital.” Holy Family meanwhile declined comment.
Fr Calistus Fernandes of Victoria Church, Mahim, who visited the injured Sunday morning said, “Fr Denzil is under observation since there is internal head injury. Fr Nelson who has a head injury was able to recognise me. I had a chat with Fr Santan. Fr Pascal was resting and seems to be okay.”
Melwyn Fernandes, secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians, said, “We are very sad to hear this news and pray for the priests’ quick recovery. May God give them strength to return to serve the community as soon as possible.”
Of them Fr Nelson Machado, Fr Denzil Fernandes and Fr Santan Fernandes are affiliated with St Francis Xavier Church, Vile Parle (W). Fr Pascal Sinor is attached to St Anthony’s Vakola. They were among a group of priests who were visiting Nashik to attend the ordination of Bishop Barthol Barretto.
Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias, who presided over the function, reached Mumbai separately. Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman of the Archdiocese, who attended too, said, “All the priests are conscious and stable but as they have sustained head injuries, the standard protocol of 48 hours of observation is in effect. We will be able to give further information after we get a medical update from the hospital.” Holy Family meanwhile declined comment.
Fr Calistus Fernandes of Victoria Church, Mahim, who visited the injured Sunday morning said, “Fr Denzil is under observation since there is internal head injury. Fr Nelson who has a head injury was able to recognise me. I had a chat with Fr Santan. Fr Pascal was resting and seems to be okay.”
Melwyn Fernandes, secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians, said, “We are very sad to hear this news and pray for the priests’ quick recovery. May God give them strength to return to serve the community as soon as possible.”