Faith in action, one letter at a time

Catholicism and its many graces have found a stable place in the public editorial consciousness of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond through Rudy Fernandes. 

An 87-year-old long-standing parishioner of Cristo Rei Parish in Mississauga, Ont., Fernandes has spent nearly two decades bringing the Catholic faith into public discourse. He has written and filed upwards of 200 “Letters to the Editor” submissions, the bulk of which were published in the Toronto Star, but also in other publications, including The Catholic Register, even the New York Times. 

His letters, while varied in topic and often surrounding the current news, address subjects ranging from politics and public policy to the environment, current events and religion. He has commented on Pope Francis’ meeting with Greta Thunberg, the Vatican and its need to modernize, local Toronto issues and other faith-driven topics across countless beats.  

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Fernandes' interest in writing letters was prompted in part by commentary that challenged his own views on society. Rather than shy away from those discussions, he decided to contribute his own perspective.

“I had seen an editorial done by the Toronto Star journalist and editor Haroon Siddiqui about his trip to India. He said something along the lines of 'this was not just Mother Teresa’s India (any more),' speaking of its development, and I thought it was something I could contribute to,” Fernandes said. 

He quickly learned through that experience that each letter was about more than expressing his personal opinions, but rather an opportunity to encourage dialogue and make a positive difference in the broader community. 

“ I learned that I feel very strongly that we needed to make some changes in the paradigm. Even today, we are losing out to people who do not believe in religion at all,” he said. 

“I am not a person who pushes my views, but I think that you've got to make sure that people who do not believe in the right things or in the right way must be challenged. (My letters) hopefully open minds to the good things that the faith has done in the world.” 

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That same commitment has extended to his public advocacy, including his efforts to preserve the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer before Mississauga City Council meetings alongside Dr. Colin Saldanha, before its change in 2015. 

Despite such advocacy efforts, Fernandes sees his continued commitment to writing as one of the most meaningful ways he continues to put his faith into action. He shared that each letter over the years has intentionally not been limited to the single issue of faith in journalism, but instead to contribute to conversations wherever he believes a different perspective can make a difference.

Notably, he openly welcomes disagreement, believing that the public should be willing to challenge one another respectfully, rather than shy away from difficult discussions.

“ If people are opposed to what I bring to the conversation, if they don't agree, they should respond, and occasionally they have. I feel that we believe in the right things, and if they are not right, people can challenge us. As much as I want to challenge other people, I am open to being challenged as well — It’s about conversation,” he said. 

Fernandes also shared a look into his preparation to renew his annual campaign encouraging politicians, corporate executives and businesses to use “Merry Christmas” in their seasonal greetings. Working alongside his wife, Maureen, he has spent more than a decade writing to public officials and corporate leaders for the cause. Their past efforts have drawn responses from more than 600 politicians and helped mobilize various supporters. 

He said that he hopes to begin this year’s outreach in October, giving recipients more time to consider the message and develop their own efforts. For him, the initiative is another opportunity to ensure Christians can express their faith openly and respectfully in public life. 

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While by far his most visible effort, Fernandes’ commitment to his columns, largely hidden across 20 years of editorial discourse, continues to endure to this day. For him, that legacy is driven by the belief that even one voice can make a difference.

“ I believe honestly that we are in this world to try and do something to make it a little bit better than yesterday. If you can make a small change, then you have achieved something, and with religion, I am not shy. If I believe in it, I will fight for it,” he said. 

A version of this article appeared in the October 25, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Faith in action, one letter at a time".