Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph was born to (Late) Mr. Siluvadimai Fernando and Mrs. Antoniammal Rodriquez on 31 July 1958 in Rajakamangalam, Diocese of Kottar, Tamil Nadu. After finishing his Secondary School Certificate at Carmel High School, Nagercoil, he joined St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, Ajmer and then completed studies in Philosophy and Theology at St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Varanasi on 10 April 1985.
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Nagpur University, Maharashtra and a Bachelor of Education Degree from Gorakhpur University, U.P. In addition to a Master’s Degree in English, he also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Townsend School of Business, New York, USA, specializing in Organizational Behavior & Leadership. He speaks English, Hindi and Tamil; he is a lover of nature, classical music, art, books and sports.
Since his ordination, for the past 30 years, he has served the Diocese of Varanasi as assistant Parish Priest, teacher and warden at St. Thomas Inter-College, Shahganj; assistant Rector of the Minor Seminary, Principal of schools, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Ghazipur, Director of Nav Sadhana Regional Pastoral Centre and Kala Kendra, Director of St. Mary’s Hospital and founding Director of St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Varanasi. Well known for promoting collaborative skills and organizational excellence, Rt, Rev. Eugene has been involved in the Diocesan Pastoral Administration as member of College of Consultors, member of Finance Committee, Dean of Ghazipur Deanery, Vicar General and Secretary of Education Society of the Diocese. From December 2013 he served as the Diocesan Administrator of the Vacant See of Varanasi.
His appointment as the Bishop of Varanasi Diocese by His Holiness Pope Francis was announced on 30 May 2015 on the eve of the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. His episcopal ordination was on 24th of August 2015.