Is the cross prominent?

It is present and unmistakable without dominating — the design is explicitly Christian, which is the point of choosing it. Families wanting the same warmth without the symbol take Ivory Filigree, which shares the palette.

Which denominations use it?

Any Christian denomination. There is nothing specific to Rome or Canterbury in the mark, and it has been used across Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and independent church services.

Can we print it in black and white?

Yes. The gold becomes a warm grey and the design holds, because its structure comes from the cross and the type rather than from colour. The hairlines are the only thing to watch on a poor copier.

Sacred Cross

A faint gold cross behind the name — quiet, unmistakable faith.

In Loving Memory of

Maria Teresa Fernandes

Sunrise 3 May 1949 · Sunset 21 July 2026

Saturday, 1 August 2026 · 10:00 · St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Durban

Order of Service

Officiant: Fr. M. Pillay

Entrance HymnBe Not Afraid

Greeting & Sprinkling with Holy Water

First Reading

Responsorial Psalm

Gospel

Homily

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Holy Communion

Final Commendation

Recessional HymnHow Great Thou Art

Life Story

Maria Teresa Fernandes was born on 3 May 1949 in Durban, the eldest of four. For thirty-eight years she kept the books of the parish and the peace of her street, and her koeksisters ended more arguments than the committee ever did.

She is survived by her husband Manuel, their children Carlos, Sofia and Isabel, and seven grandchildren who learned their prayers and their card games at her kitchen table.

Family

HusbandManuel Fernandes

ChildrenCarlos, Sofia & Isabel

GrandchildrenSeven beloved grandchildren

Pallbearers

C. Fernandes · J. Pereira · A. D’Souza · M. Naidoo · P. Govender · L. Botha

Acknowledgements

The Fernandes family thanks Fr. Pillay, the parish community of St. Anthony’s, and every friend and neighbour for the masses offered, the meals brought, and the kindness shown.

Printing this design

Warm cream with gold accents and hairline rules, and the lowest ink coverage of the liturgical designs — cheap to run in quantity, which matters when a parish funeral fills the church. The hairlines want a real print rather than a photocopy; everything else about it is forgiving.

Choosing the photograph

The arch crop rounds the top of the frame, so leave headroom. Because the design already carries a cross and gold rules, a photograph with a plain or dark background keeps the cover calm. Formal portraits suit it; the design does not fight a slightly older or softer picture.

Questions about Sacred Cross

Is the cross prominent?: It is present and unmistakable without dominating — the design is explicitly Christian, which is the point of choosing it. Families wanting the same warmth without the symbol take Ivory Filigree, which shares the palette.
Which denominations use it?: Any Christian denomination. There is nothing specific to Rome or Canterbury in the mark, and it has been used across Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and independent church services.
Can we print it in black and white?: Yes. The gold becomes a warm grey and the design holds, because its structure comes from the cross and the type rather than from colour. The hairlines are the only thing to watch on a poor copier.