Fr. Valerian Fernandes Capuchin is conferred with doctorate
By Ancy DSouza Paladka
Bellevision Media Network
Rome, 12 November 2011: A Capuchin Priest from Karnataka Province Fr. Valerian Fernandes received doctorate in Canon Law from The University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum on 10th November 2011 in Angelicum, Rome. He got this honour for defending his Doctoral Thesis in Canon Law titled: Juridical Understanding of the Vow of Poverty Today in the Proper Law of the Capuchins. The University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum, here at Rome where Blessed John Paul II also obtained his doctorate for his work, “The Doctrine of Faith according to St. John of the Cross”.
The Angelicum University conferred on Fr. Valerian Fernandes O. F.M. Cap., the doctoral degree amidst thumping applause. It was indeed a moment of pride to all the Capuchins of the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka, India and to the Mangalorean fraternity world-wide that one of the sons of the Konkani soil earned his laurels with grace and style. A good many Capuchins from the International College of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Rome where Friar Valerian resided as a member during the past three years, friars from the Capuchin General Curia, Rome and a number of friends and relatives of Fr. Valerian gave him a standing ovation at the grand felicitation.
On behalf of Fr. Vincent G. Furtado, the Provincial Minister of Karnataka and on behalf of the Capuchin Fraternity of the International College in Rome, its Vice Rector, Fr. Bona Marcel Rodrigues felicitated Fr. Valerian with a bouquet of flowers. His good old friend Fr. Denis Veigas has wished him by saying Bravo Fratello Valeriano!