Rome (Italy) – At 7 am today, 15 September 2021, after a long illness, Ángel Fernández Fernández, the father of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, passed away.

Born in Luanco, Asturias, Spain, on 12 June 1932, he passed away after 89 years of life and 61 years of marriage alongside Fr. Ángel’s mother.

The Rector Major, who was deeply attached to him, recalled some significant traits with affection, “Every day, when the weather allowed, he went to see ‘his sea’. He started working as a fisherman at the age of 13 and until he was 78, he continued to accompany and help another young fisherman”.

“He was a serene and calm man, qualities perhaps that will have come from spending many hours alone at sea. Simple and kindhearted, he was a family man and didn’t need much to be happy. He was a tireless worker; compared to him I feel like a novice in front of the teacher”, added Fr. Ángel.

Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime concludes by saying, “Since he had retired from work, he went to visit the Church to greet the Lord and to give his daily euro for charity to the poor. He went to Mass almost every day and also on August 30^th he was present with me at the Eucharist and at the Novena to the Virgin of Covadonga”.

The funeral will take place on 16 September 2021 in the Parish of Santa Maria di Luanco – Gozòn, and many Salesians from the various Spanish Provinces are expected to attend the services.

The Rector Major expresses his deep gratitude to all those close to him in prayer and affection during this difficult time.

Source: ANS