Description

Oil Dedicated to Richard Fernando (Servant of God)

Witness of Selfless Love, Protector of the Vulnerable, and Martyr of Charity

Richard Michael Fernando, a Filipino Jesuit seminarian born in 1970, lived a life filled with the joy of serving others, especially the poor and marginalized. From his earliest years, Richard showed a compassionate heart and a desire to dedicate his life to God. After joining the Jesuit novitiate, his journey of service led him to Cambodia, where he worked at the Banteay Prieb, a Jesuit-run school for disabled youth, many of whom were victims of landmines and war.

Richard embraced his mission with great love and joy. He became not only a teacher to the students but also a brother and a friend. His days were spent guiding them, encouraging them, and helping them rediscover their dignity despite their disabilities and suffering.

On October 17, 1996, Richard’s life was tragically cut short in an act of heroic charity. When a disturbed student attempted to detonate a grenade inside the school, threatening the lives of many innocent children, Richard did not flee. Instead, he rushed to shield the others, sacrificing his own life to save them. He was only 26 years old. His sacrifice reflected the words of Christ: “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Today, Richard Michael Fernando is honored as a Servant of God, with his cause for beatification underway. He stands as a modern example of sacrificial love, courage in the face of danger, and joyful service to the forgotten and vulnerable.

Our Irish Blessing Oil dedicated to Richard Michael Fernando is prayerfully prepared to honor his life of love and heroic sacrifice. Each bottle comes with a prayer card seeking his intercession—for young people discerning their calling, for those serving the marginalized, and for courage in the face of fear and danger.

Lovingly prayed over by the team at A Blessed Call to Love. Offers spiritual encouragement, reminding us that we are all called to give our lives in love, whether in small daily acts or in moments of great sacrifice.

May the example of Richard Michael Fernando inspire us to serve the vulnerable with joy, to face challenges with courage, and to lay down our lives in love, following the example of Christ.