Bengaluru, Feb 3:Nigel Fernandes, CEO of ATC Publishers and Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, has been conferred the papal title of Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, one of the highest honours bestowed by the Catholic Church on laypersons, in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the Church and society.

The honour was presented at the 37th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in Bengaluru by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, in the presence of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the CCBI, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and bishops, office bearers and executive secretaries of the CCBI.

Other dignitaries present included Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru and vice president of the CCBI, Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi and secretary general of the CCBI, Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy of Sultanpet, Dr Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary general of the CCBI, noted biblical scholar Dr Lucien Legrand, and Brenda Fernandes. Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Oswald Gracias highlighted Nigel Fernandes’ multifaceted contribution to the life and mission of the Church, particularly in the biblical, liturgical, catechetical and spiritual spheres.

In the field of biblical scholarship, Nigel played a key role in coordinating two major English Catholic Bible translations — the New Living Translation (Catholic Edition) and the English Standard Version (Catholic Edition). These projects were undertaken through ecumenical collaboration with international publishers, in consultation with Church authorities and eminent biblical scholars, ensuring doctrinal fidelity and wider accessibility of Scripture.

His contributions to liturgy include involvement in the preparation of the Lectionary, liturgical rites books and several official publications of the CCBI, supporting the prayer and sacramental life of the Church in India.

In catechesis, he has actively promoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church since its publication in 1994, along with YOUCAT, the Catechism Compendium and other CCBI resources, helping catechists, educators, youth and families deepen their understanding of the faith.

Over the years, his publishing work has expanded to more than 2,000 titles covering Scripture, theology, spirituality and pastoral care, including papal writings, Church documents, encyclicals and the autobiography of St Mother Teresa. These publications have reached readers across India as well as in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Gulf region.

At the core of this mission is Asian Trading Corporation, ATC Publishers and JoyofGifting.com, where Nigel Fernandes has served as CEO for the past 32 years. Founded in Bombay in 1946, ATC marks its 80th anniversary this year and continues to make a significant impact across Asia under his leadership. Through Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, he has also contributed to education by developing value-based textbooks.

Responding to the digital age, he co-founded Catholic Connect, a CCBI initiative that has recorded over 70,000 app downloads, hosts more than 4,000 matrimony profiles, operates a job portal, attracts nearly seven lac monthly website visits, and offers Catholic news and spiritual content from around the world on a single platform.

Beyond his professional commitments, Nigel Fernandes has served the Church in several pastoral roles, including membership in parish and archdiocesan pastoral councils, the Catholic Council of Karnataka, the Catholic Council of India and various CCBI commissions. He has also been part of the National Council for Synodality and the Jubilee 2025 committees, served on the National Councils for Bible and Media, and completed three terms on the Bible Society of India’s Marketing Advisory Board.

Responding with humility, Nigel Fernandes, a parishioner of Ascension Church, Bengaluru, said he received the honour with deep gratitude, thanking Cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, his family, colleagues, partners and well-wishers for their constant support. He added that the recognition was not a culmination but a call to greater responsibility and deeper commitment. By conferring the papal title of Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, the Church has recognised a lifetime of faithful service and enduring contribution to evangelisation, education and spiritual formation.

Nigel Fernandes has served the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, Bengaluru, in various key capacities, including Media Manager, Joint Secretary, and Vice Chairman–2. During his tenure, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the community.

The Federation proudly recognizes Nigel, as the youngest Mangalorean Catholic and the first in the past 35 years to receive this distinguished honour of knighthood. Nigel hails from Bendur, Mangaluru and did his schooling and graduation from St Aloysius College Mangaluru and Post Graduation from T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal. The Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavours.