Isidore was born in Kalathur, Udupi on 2 January 1947, to Casmir and Lucy Fernandes.[3] His paternal Uncle was Anthony Fernandes, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Bareilly
Priesthood
Isidore completed his high school studies at St. Mary's High School in Shirva, Udupi, Karnataka. He then joined the St. Paul's Minor Seminary in Lucknow and was then sent to the Papal Seminary in Pune, where he studied philosophy and theology. Isidore was ordained to the priesthood by Most. Rev. William Gomes, the then bishop of Poona, on 29 October 1972.[5]
Episcopate
Fernandes was appointed bishop [6]by Pope John Paul II on 5 May 1988, and his episcopal ordination took place on 4 August 1988, at the hands of Most Rev. Cecil D'Sa, the then archbishop of Agra. At the time of his episcopal ordination, Isidore was one of the youngest Catholic bishops in India at age 41.
On Thursday, 31 January 2013, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Isidore Fernandes, from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Allahabad.
Death
Fernandes died from a heart attack on 26 April 2023, at the age of 76. He was a priest for 50 years and a bishop for 34 years.[7]
