NUVEM, India, MAY 13, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic community in the village of Nuvem is mourning a priest who died Sunday saving three youth from drowning in the rough sea.
Father Thomas Fernandes Remedios, 37, associate pastor of the Church of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, died of a heart attack after saving three young parishioners from drowning, the Fides agency reported.
The parish, in the seaside state of Goa, was having a day of fellowship and entertainment on the beach with a group of about 60 people, mostly youth.
In the afternoon, three adolescents between the ages of 17 and 19 — two girls and a boy — ventured into the sea despite being counseled otherwise.
When the waters became too much for them and they called for help, Father Fernandes swam after them and managed to save two immediately. After he had rescued the third, he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The local Church has pointed to the priest in this Year for Priests as an example and testimony. A statement affirmed that «he is a shepherd who gave his life for his flock.»
