Mariete Fernandes VICE PRESIDENT  Cultural, Spiritual & Community Services 2014 -15  ‘Year 23’ Theme : Save Konkani, Create Novel Society
Native Parish in Mangalore		Holy Rosary Church Kundapur
Spouse		Ashley FernandesAVP  at  Oman Qatar Insurance Co.
Children		Alisha  – Architect Manish – pursuing ACCA

‘Mariete’ a true advocate of positive energy, is a salient personality with a compassionate smile, drawing people through her natural instinct for confiding in her their grievances. Proud mother Mrs. Winnifred Fernandes, a politician holding the helm of affairs in Dakshina Kannada as MLA and MLC at Kundapura in early (since 1969); despite her busy professional life, uncompromisingly contributed the early upbringing of her children in an invigorating environment, that has inspired Mariete to stand for others’ rights and help those who need guidance.

Mariete says “Although a politician, my mother was well respected by her colleagues for her vociferous and outspoken views based on human values and principles.  She had the courage to walk out of the Assembly at Vidhana Saudha insisting on cancelling Budget session which was scheduled on a Good Friday.  It is because of her Christian spirit and values that Karnataka has public holiday on Good Friday. Her mother’s fighting spirit for justice and her father’s organized and disciplined way of getting things done, has made me what I am today.”

Mariete Fernandes grew up as the 3^rd child amongst 6, in a God fearing and well balanced family (3 sons and 3 daughters) of Mrs. Winnifred & (Late) Mr. Louis Fernandes; being active at Holy Rosary Church Kundapur. The spiritual values inculcated in Mariete have been very strong, which is why with her ideologies, she leads her life by example serving in various communities of the Church. She is a catechism teacher for the past 14 years and also served as Eucharistic Minister for six years  at Ruwi Parish.  She was also a Member of Parish Council and is a Felicitator of Marriage Preparation Courses.  Mariete admits that her Parents are her inspiration and her family is her great source of strength and support. This depicts the family values imbibed in her system imparting a strong message of moral values that is lacking today in the selfish world we live in.

Mariete a resident of Oman since past 33 years and worked for Diwan of Royal Court and for Muscat Municipality as Personal Secretary to the respective Directors until 1994. Currently, she is a home-maker enjoying the family life within her closet relishing the family time as quality time.  However she still continues to serve the church and community in her capacities as a catechist and now the Vice President of the first-class organization ‘MCCP’, in the region. Her nature of social service is based on “No act of kindness, however small is ever wasted” and utilizes her spiritual experience towards faith formation of children in the Parish she is connected to.

Mariete has served 2 terms in MCCP as Spiritual Secretary and now has taken the position of Vice President that has connected her more closely and is a bridge between the utive and the people of the community. With her humble desire to move with the MCCP family to get at least one step closer to Jesus and draw people closer to one another, she made a remarkable contribution in uniting the community with a strong spiritual system. Her sharp intellect and counseling skills assures to help her guide members seeking spiritual assistance.

Positive attitude relies strongly on “Never give up” phrase in order to tackle any obstacle or challenge and emerge successful from every adversity is what Mariete believes in. In her own words, Mariete shares “I never let anyone or anything get in my way. I use the power of positive thinking to tackle obstacles and challenges,  so they don’t defeat me.  However, I thoroughly enjoy working as a team”.

Mariete’s quotes:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)

We should, through compassion, love and generosity, always seek to give away that, which God has given to us, to benefit others.

Mahathma Gandhi said: ‘We must be the change we seek in the world’.   In others words, we must be servant leaders; we must walk the talk; we must model by example.  We must not be hypocritical, we must not model violence.

Her vision for MCCP Year 23 is that everyone around, find greater joy, hope, and excitement for life, through community’s love for one another.