The Catholic
Church declared Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC (1920-1977), of the
Archdiocese of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Servant of God – the first step in his
canonization process. He was the first Bangali (Bengalee) principal of Notre
Dame College, Dhaka and the first Bangali bishop and archbishop in Bangladesh. Catholics
and non-Catholics alike appreciated his virtuousness and exemplary life.
Until now,
two books in Bengali on the life of Archbishop Ganguly have been published in
Bangladesh. We present below some information on these two books.
1. Bangladesh Mondolir Gourab Archbishop
Ganguly
(Archbishop Ganguly: The Pride of the Bangladesh Church) by Bernard Swapon
Gomes (Dhaka: Archbishop T. A. Ganguly Memorial Trust, Archbishop’s House,
1988).
This 36-page booklet gives a portrait of the archbishop’s
childhood; his studies at Bandura Holy Cross primary and high schools; his time
at the Little Flower preparatory seminary at Bandura of Dhaka District; his philosophy
and theology studies at St. Albert’s Major Seminary in Ranchi of Bihar State in
India; his higher studies (M.A. and Ph.D.) at the University of Notre Dame,
Indiana, USA; his teaching and principalship at Notre Dame College of Dhaka;
his elevation to the position of the auxiliary bishop and later to the
archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka; his death and crowded burial; and,
finally, his contributions and qualities
that endeared him to people of all creeds.
2. Dibaloker Ujjal Nokkhotra Theotonius
Amal Ganguly, CSC
(Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC: The Bright Day Star) by Father Adam S. Pereira,
CSC (Dhaka: The Congregation of Holy
Cross – Bangladesh, Moreau House, Bonosree, Rampura, 2011).
This latest 165-page biography portrays the complete life of Archbishop
Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC: his birth and childhood, studies and seminary
life, priesthood, and entrance to the Congregation of Holy Cross, his ministry
as a priest, his life as a bishop and archbishop, his untimely death, and the Church
announcement of him being the Servant of God.
This book has some additional information and photos on his
life that is not available in the first booklet mentioned above.
These two
books are a must for those interested in the life of the Servant of God
Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC.
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