Rev. Fr. Vijayanand (Vincent Fernandes), the senior most priest of the Diocese of Allahabad went to his heavenly abode at 1.45 pm on 18th January, 2013 in Nazareth Hospital, Allahabad.

Born on the 22nd of November 1925, to Anton Lawrence Fernandes and Maria Magdalena Fernandes of St. Paul’s Church, Dadar, Mumbai, Rev. Fr. Vijay completed his schooling from Holy Cross School, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Our Lady of Dolours School, Wadala, Antonio D’Souza High School, Byculla, Mumbai and St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

In 1948, he joined the Diocese of Allahabad to serve as a missionary priest. After his entire formation in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Allahabad, he was ordained by Rt. Rev. Leonard Raymond on March 19, 1955. He had been the assistant and substitute at Assumption Church, Dostpur; St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Allahabad; and the Parish Priest at Pachmarhi; and substitute in various missions. He obtained a Sangeet Prabhakar Degree in 1962.

His entire life was dedicated to evangelization through music. He had been the Director of Sangeet Sadhana Mandir Naukuchiatal, Mussourie and Pachmarhi for almost five decades training thousands of personnel in music. His musical compositions are found in ‘Mukta Maala’ under the name ‘vijeti’.

The mortal remains of Fr. Vijay will be buried in the Christian Cemetery, Rajapur, Allahabad at 4.00 pm on 19th January, 2013 in the presence of the Bishop Isidore Fernandes, Vicar General Rev. Fr. K.K. Antony, CJ Provincial Sr. Sumitha, priests, religious and laity of the diocese and neighbouring diocese.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.