GOAN DOC IN NIGERIA -- PROF NERI GA PICARDO -- GETS PAPAL KNIGHTHOOD On 30 November 2024 Professor Neri Gustavo Agapito Picardo MD, Ph.D. was conferred a Papal Knight of St. Gregory the Great by His Holiness Pope Francis. The investiture of the Knighthood was celebrated at a solemn Mass held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, Nigeria.
Neri was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1949 to Goan Parents. He is the son of the late John Picardo (Divar)and the late Maria Conceicao Cassia da Vitoria Picardo nee Fernandes (St Estevam). He attended the Sacred Heart School (formerly Goan School) where he completed his Primary and Secondary education gaining a First Division in the Cambridge School Certificate in 1965. He then did his GCE Advanced Level at Strathmore College, Nairobi where he passed out with flying colours. His medical Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies were undertaken at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain where he graduated cum laude. Being a consummate professional and desiring to increase his medical knowledge, he undertook a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York, USA. In 1981 Neri was recruited by the Nigerian Federal Government and departed the USA for Nigeria where he served as Consultant Physician in Parklane General Hospital, Enugu. Later he was appointed Chief Consultant and Head of the Department of Medicine. In addition, he was Head of the Gastroenterology /Endoscopy Unit at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu where he trained several Resident Doctors in the art and skill of Endoscopy. He was the first Medical Director of the Niger Foundation Hospital where he continues to serve as a member of the Management Team. He is currently a Consultant at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital and a Professor of Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine, Ebonyi State University. Having spent decades in Nigeria, he developed a strong bond with the Community in Enugu and for his Nigerian Citizenship he chose and was adopted by the people of Neke Oghe (a Shire of Enugu) as their son. Neri lives his life in accordance with the core values of Opus Dei which teaches its members to pursue Christian perfection and implement Christian values in their lives. His role model is St, Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. Many lay people and priests attest to his care for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. His passion is to serve the Church in the same direction as Bishop Callistus Onaga whom he also serves as Physician. The following excerpt from The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Enugu State, Nigeria congratulatory message encapsulates Neri’s qualities of a Papal Knight: ‘Your investiture as a Papal Knight of St. Gregory the Great is a testament to your unwavering faith, exemplary service to humanity, and your outstanding contributions to medicine and society. Your life’s work reflects a rare combination of professional excellence and spiritual commitment, inspiring all who know you. This honour is a well-deserved recognition of your tireless efforts to make a positive impact both in the medical profession and in the service of the Church. May this new title further empower you to continue your mission with grace and distinction.’
