Filipino Jesuit scholastic Richard “Richie” Fernando SJ, served as a regent in Cambodia at Banteay Prieb, the Jesuit vocational training center for survivors of landmines, polio, and people with learning disabilities. In October 1996, a deeply distressed student brought a grenade to the school. As the student approached a classroom full of students with the grenade in hand, Richie acted swiftly, grabbing the student from behind. The student dropped the grenade, and the explosion tragically killed Richie. His body shielded the student and others from the blast, saving their lives.

Four days before his death, Richie wrote a letter to Fr. Totet Banaynal SJ, his best friend, who later became a missionary in Cambodia. Fr. Banaynal received the letter a week after Richie’s funeral. In it, Richie shared his struggles and hopes for the students at Banteay Prieb, offering a glimpse into the depth of his commitment and love for the people he served.

You know, Tet, to be honest, I don’t feel like stopping. I honestly feel inspired to face the problems, the people, the truth though difficult and painful…In other words, Tet…I know where my heart is…. It is with Jesus Christ…Jesus who gave his all for the poor, the sick, the orphan, etc…. I am confident that God never forgets his people…our disabled brothers and sisters. And I am glad that God has been using me to make sure that our brothers and sisters know this fact…. I honestly believe that to die for our poor friends here will be the greatest gift that God can give us. And I continually pray for this grace every day.

In August 2017, in a letter to the Province dated July 31, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Philippine Provincial Fr. Antonio Moreno SJ, announced that Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, had endorsed his proposal to formally initiate the cause for the beatification of Richie Fernando.

In memory of Richie, the newsletter of the Jesuit Mission in Cambodia is named after him, honoring his legacy and the profound impact of his sacrifice.