- 03 February, 2026
Bangalore, Feb 3, 2026: In a moment of profound distinction, Nigel Fernandes, CEO of ATC Publishers and Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, was awarded the Papal Title of Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India along with Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) and Cardinal Oswald Gracias at the 37th CCBI Plenary Assembly in Bangalore, in the presence of all the Bishops, Office Bearers, and Executive Secretaries of the CCBI.
Other dignitaries on the dais included Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Vice President of the CCBI, Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi and Secretary General of the CCBI, Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy of Sultanpet, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, Rev. Dr. Lucien Legrand, renowned biblical scholar, and Mrs. Brenda Fernandes.
Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Oswald Gracias highlighted that Nigel’s contribution to the Church is manifold, especially in four key areas—biblical, liturgical, catechetical, and spiritual—where he has placed his professional expertise, vision, and pastoral sensitivity at the service of the Church.
In Biblical work, he pioneered and coordinated two landmark English Catholic Bible translations, the New Living Translation (Catholic Edition) and the English Standard Version (Catholic Edition), through ecumenical collaboration with Tyndale and Crossway, in consultation with the church hierarchy and renowned biblical scholars led by Rev. Dr. Lucien Legrand, Rev. Dr. Assisi Saldanha, Rev. Dr. Govindu Rayanna and others, ensuring scriptural fidelity and wide accessibility.
In Liturgy, Nigel played an important role in the preparation of the Lectionary, the liturgical rites books, and several official publications for the CCBI, thereby supporting the prayer and sacramental life of the Church.
In Catechesis, from the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1994, he championed its promotion as well as YOUCAT, the Catechism Compendium, and CCBI resources, guiding catechists, educators, youth, and families toward deeper faith.
His spiritual legacy spans over 2,000 titles in Scripture, theology, spirituality, and pastoral care—including St. Mother Teresa’s autobiography, books by the Popes, encyclicals, etc.—reaching beyond India to Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the Gulf through a steadfast network.
At the heart of this mission is Asian Trading Corporation (ATC), ATC Publishers and JoyofGifting.com where he has served as the CEO for 32 years. Founded in 1946 in Bombay, ATC marks 80 years this year and has made a lasting impact across Asia under his leadership. He has also contributed to education through Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, developing value-based textbooks. Responding to the digital age, he co-founded Catholic Connect, a CCBI initiative with over 70,000 downloads, 4,000 Matrimony profiles, a dedicated Job Portal, seven lakh monthly website visits for News, rich spiritual content, and the only platform offering comprehensive Catholic news from around the world in one place.
Beyond profession, he has devoted himself to pastoral roles as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, Archdiocesan Pastoral council, the Catholic Council of Karnataka, the Catholic Council of India, and CCBI commissions. He has been part of the National Council for Synodality and Jubilee 2025 Committees. He is a member of the National Councils for Bible and Media and has served three terms on the Bible Society of India’s Marketing Advisory Board.
Speaking to Catholic Connect, Nigel, a parishioner of Ascension Church, Bangalore, responded with profound humility: “I receive this honour with deep humility and overwhelming gratitude,” expressing sincere thanks to Cardinals, Bishops, Patrons, Priests, Sisters, Brothers, his family, partners, colleagues, friends, and associates whose encouragement has sustained his noble work.
He reflects wisely: “This recognition touches me deeply and renews within me a stronger desire to continue committedly—not as culmination, but as a call to greater responsibility.”
In conferring upon Nigel Fernandes the Papal Title of Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester, the Church recognises decades of faithful service and a life of enduring impact.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Photo credit: Ave Maria Studios
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