Br. Norbert Fernando, TOR, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order
Regular, belonging to the Province of Our Lady of Lanka, Sri Lanka, died on March 20, 2023 at Franciscan Friary, Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka.
Born on June 2, 1940 at Katana, the son of Weththige John Fernando and Warnakulasooriya Clara Fernando, he was given the name Weththige Nicolas Fernando. After completing his high school education, he became a candidate for the Third Order Regular Franciscans. Upon entrance into the Postulancy in 1957, Weththige Nicolus Fernando assumed the religious name Weththige Norbert Fernando. Brother Norbert entered novitiate on September 16, 1958 and he professed his Temporary Vows on September 17, 1959.
After his first profession he assumed his first obedience to serve in the Franciscan Friary at
Maggona, there he spent his time and energy in order to uplift the existing farm and the paddy
fields and contributed greatly to the province. As a simple friar, his life was exemplary.
After professing Solemn Vows on September 17, 1965, he opted to serve in rural areas,
where he faithfully served for many years together with other Franciscan friars. The communities that he served are as follows:
In 1960 – Franciscan Friary at Maggona, where he developed the existing paddy fields
and the farm
In 1964 – Franciscan Friary at Pannipitiya as the Local Econome of the Community
In 1969 – Franciscan Friary at Chilaw as the Local Econome of the Community
In 1973 – Franciscan Friary at Maggona
In 1974 – Franciscan Friary at Wennappuwa, where he continued his religious studies
In 1977 – at St. Sebastian Church, Kalaoya, Solawewa
In 1980 – in Mininthale at Rajanganaya
In 1981 – Franciscan Friary in Chilaw
In 1982 – Franciscan Friary at Maggona
In 1990 – Franciscan Provoncialate at Bolawalana
In 1995 – Franciscan Friary at Kadirana
In 2003 – Infant Jesus’ Church, Kaluwaragasweva
In 2005 – In a Cashew estate in the Diocese of Chilaw
In 2006 – Franciscan friary at Katuwapitiya
In 2013 – Franciscan Provincialate at Bolawalana
From 2014 until he was called to his eternal rest, he was a resident at the TOR Franciscan Friary, Wennappuwa.
Br. Norbert, who served in remote areas and in Franciscan fraternities in
numerous capacities, could often be found outdoors planting flowers and working in the
gardens. His love for nature was also evident at the various communities he served, especially
Maggona, Kadirana, Bolawalana, Solawewa and Rajanganaya where he enjoyed spending time
in working in the fields with the poor.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Bro. Norbert Fernando, TOR was celebrated on March 22, 2023 at St. Francis Chapel, at Our Lady of Lanka Friary, Maggona with Very Rev. Fr. Rohan Wasantha, TOR., Minister Provincial, as the main celebrant. Following the Mass, the remains of Br. Norbert were buried at the Franciscan Cemetery at Maggona.