ATC CEO Nigel Fernandes Conferred Papal Knighthood for Decades of Service to the Church
In a moment of rare honour and deep ecclesial significance, Nigel Fernandes, CEO of ATC Publishers and Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, was conferred the Papal Title of Knight of the Order of Saint Sylvester, one of the highest recognitions bestowed by the Vatican on lay Catholics for distinguished service to the Church. The honour was formally presented by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, along with Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), and Cardinal Oswald Gracias, during the 37th CCBI Plenary Assembly held in Bangalore. The ceremony took place in the presence of all the Bishops, Office Bearers, and Executive Secretaries of the CCBI.
The dais included several eminent Church leaders, among them Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore (Vice President, CCBI), Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi (Secretary General, CCBI), Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy of Sultanpet, Rev. Dr Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, renowned biblical scholar Rev. Dr Lucien Legrand and Mrs Brenda Fernandes.
Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Oswald Gracias highlighted Nigel Fernandes’ multifaceted contribution to the Church, particularly in four key areas: Biblical scholarship, Liturgy, Catechesis and Spiritual publishing. He noted that Nigel consistently placed his professional expertise, vision and pastoral sensitivity at the service of the Church.
In the field of Biblical work, Nigel pioneered and coordinated two landmark English Catholic Bible translations—the New Living Translation (Catholic Edition) and the English Standard Version (Catholic Edition). These projects were realised through ecumenical collaboration with Tyndale and Crossway, and in close consultation with the Church hierarchy and leading biblical scholars, including Rev. Dr Lucien Legrand, Rev. Dr Assisi Saldanha, and Rev. Dr Govindu Rayanna, ensuring both doctrinal fidelity and wide accessibility.
His contribution to Liturgy includes a significant role in the preparation of the Lectionary, official liturgical rites books, and numerous authorised publications of the CCBI, thereby supporting the prayer and sacramental life of the Church in India.
In Catechesis, Nigel has been a strong advocate for the dissemination of the Catechism of the Catholic Church since its publication in 1994, along with YOUCAT, the Catechism Compendium, and other CCBI catechetical resources, guiding catechists, educators, youth, and families towards a deeper understanding of the faith. His spiritual publishing legacy spans more than 2,000 titles in Scripture, theology, spirituality, and pastoral care, including Saint Mother Teresa’s autobiography, papal writings, and encyclicals. These publications have reached audiences across India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the Gulf, supported by a strong and enduring distribution network.
At the heart of this mission is Asian Trading Corporation (ATC), ATC Publishers, and JoyofGifting.com, where Nigel has served as CEO for over 32 years. Founded in 1946 in Bombay, ATC celebrates its 80th anniversary this year and has made a lasting impact across Asia under his leadership. Through Arclight Global Pvt Ltd, he has also contributed to education by developing value-based textbooks.
Responding proactively to the digital age, Nigel co-founded Catholic Connect, a CCBI initiative that has grown into a comprehensive Catholic digital platform with over 70,000 app downloads, 4,000 Matrimony profiles, a dedicated Job Portal, nearly seven lakh monthly website visits, and extensive Catholic news and spiritual content from around the world.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nigel Fernandes has rendered dedicated pastoral service, serving on Parish and Archdiocesan Pastoral Councils, the Catholic Council of Karnataka, the Catholic Council of India, and various CCBI commissions. He has also been part of the National Council for Synodality, Jubilee 2025 Committees, and 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 Fernandes, a parishioner of Ascension Church, Bangalore, expressed deep humility upon receiving the honour. “I receive this honour with deep humility and overwhelming gratitude,” he said, thanking the Cardinals, Bishops, priests, religious, his family, colleagues and collaborators who have supported his mission.
Reflecting further, he added:
“This recognition touches me deeply and renews within me a stronger desire to continue committedly—not as a culmination, but as a call to greater responsibility.” Through the conferral of the Papal Knighthood of the Order of Saint Sylvester, the Church formally recognises Nigel Fernandes’ decades of faithful service, visionary leadership, and enduring contribution to the life and mission of the Church in India and beyond.
