The late Reverend Fr. J. B. Fernandes s.j, born on 17.7.1919, in a village called ‘Zhor’ in Anjuna, to Agostinho and Maria Aninha Fernandes, was the youngest of five children (4 brothers & 1 sister). His elder brother, Monsignor Angelo Fernandes studied in the Rachol Seminary, Goa and worked in the diosese of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, until his death in 1980.

Fr. J.B. came to Mumbai in 1929, and studied the piano and violin under the tutelage of his eldest brother. Fr. J.B. joined the Society of Jesus at the age of 19 yrs, after his studies at the St. Xavier’s College, Bombay.

During his training, he was schooled thoroughly in the Gregorian Chant and Classical Polyphony. His training in the priesthood started in Vinayalaya, Andheri and continued in Kurseong where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1950.

Fr. J.B. taught in the Diocesan Seminary first in Parel and then in St. Pius X College, Goregoan from 1954-64, where he was the Spiritual Director and also trained the seminarians in Music and Choral Singing.

• "Becoming Christ":
  His first book has now become the text book in all seminaries in India.
• 1964 – International Eucharistic Congress Choir:
  Rev. Fr. J.B. Fernandes s.j. had dedicated decades of his priestly life to the ministry of sacred music. He organized and conducted the 500 strong International Eucharistic Congress Choir in 1964, which won much acclaim. The Newman Choir emerged from this choir, under his direction, keeping alive classical and traditional sacred music.

Deeper Insights into the Mass Seminars conducted for groups of laypersons and priests in the city and other parts of the country and the Middle East.