Cambodia Honors Filipino Jesuit Richie Fernando 30 Years After His Sacrifice

The Catholic Church in Cambodia commemorated the 30th anniversary of the death of Filipino Jesuit scholastic Brother Richard “Richie” Fernando, SJ, with a memorial Mass in Battambang, honoring his sacrifice to save students at a vocational training center in October 1996.

Bishop Enrique “Kike” Figaredo of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang presided over the Mass on November 9 at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Battambang city, in northwestern Cambodia. Hundreds of clergy, religious sisters, members of the Jesuit community, relatives from the Philippines and lay faithful attended the commemoration.

Bro. Fernando, who died at 26, was serving at Banteay Prieb, meaning “Center of the Dove,” a Jesuit vocational training center in Kandal province, in the western part of the capital Phnom Penh. The center provides skills training and rehabilitation opportunities for people with disabilities, including survivors of landmine explosions.

On October 17, 1996, a troubled student brought an armed hand grenade into a crowded classroom. Bro. Fernando moved toward the danger and shielded the students with his body. The explosion killed him but spared the lives of everyone else in the room.

During the homily, Jesuit Fr. Jose Hildy A. Banaynal, a close friend and fellow Jesuit, reflected on Fernando’s life through the Gospel teaching on self-giving love.

“Jesus said, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ We had an example of somebody who loved—really, who loved. Richie was not thinking of his life. He was thinking of love. Love for the people,” he said.

Fr. Banaynal also read excerpts from Bro. Fernando’s personal letters, written during his regency, revealing his commitment to serving people with disabilities.

“I know where my heart is. There is no other place; it’s Jesus. Jesus who gave His all for the poor, the sick, the orphan,” Bro. Fernando wrote.

He also expressed his conviction that offering himself in service to the poor was among the greatest gifts he could give.

Fr. Banaynal urged the faithful to remain rooted in Christ, describing him as the source of strength for Christian service and love of neighbor.

Young Cambodian Catholics attending the memorial said Bro. Fernando’s example continues to inspire their commitment to faith and service.

Chan Vichet, a parishioner of St. John’s Church in Siem Reap, said Bro. Fernando’s willingness to sacrifice his life challenged young people to put aside self-interest and serve others.

Rann Samuel, a youth from the host parish, described the Jesuit scholastic as a living reflection of Jesus because he chose to protect others rather than save himself.

Bro. Fernando’s sacrifice remains an important part of the Jesuit community’s mission in Cambodia, where the Church continues to accompany communities affected by decades of conflict, landmines and social displacement