'Bangladesh Mondolir Gourab Archbishop Ganguly': A Book

Bangladesh Mondolir Gourab Archbishop Ganguly 
(Archbishop Ganguly: The Pride of Bangladesh Church)

This Bengali-language book, written by Bernard Gomes, from the perspective of a Catholic layman and published by the Archbishop T. A. Ganguly Memorial Trust of Dhaka in 1988.

It portrays the life and work of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C., (1920-1977), the first local bishop from the Bangladesh region. The author, in short, delves into this archbishop's birth and childhood, study at Bandura Holy Cross High School, his entrance to the nearby Little Flower Preparatory Seminary, his philosophy and theology studies and ordination to priesthood at St. Albert's Major Seminary in Ranchi of Bihar in India, further studies in the U.S.A., professorship and principalship at Dhaka's Notre Dame College, his consecration and work as a bishop, his elevation to the Archbishopric, his sudden death and massive funeral service at the Dhaka's Archbishop's House, his lifetime characteristics and qualities that attracted innumerable people of different ethnicities and religions. 

This book is still a must-read for the younger generation as the cause of Archbishop's sainthood is ongoing. At this preparatory stage of his sainthood cause, he is now being called Servant of God Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C.

The Quotation of the Week (December 1-7. 2013)

A quotation of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, on 'love and forgiveness,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Photo (Reflection of a camera flash on a TV screen - Toronto: April 5, 2012) © Jerome D'Costa

The Poem of the Month (September, 2012): ARCHBISHOP T. A. GANGULY, CSC

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C. (1920-1977) of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Photo courtesy: The Pratibeshi (weekly), Dhaka

Today, September 2, is the 35th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C. of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, Bangladesh.  On this occasion, I composed the following poem.

 
Archbishop T. A. Ganguly, C.S.C.

You were like a comet

Appearing in the firmament,

Blazing in the sky and brightening other celestial bodies

With your qualities of humility, thoughtfulness, piety, cheering spirit, and love.

You didn’t seek anything for yourself

But were always ready to give to others,

May you be more giving through your intercession

By being a proclaimed shasshoto shadhu – saint always.

Two Bengali Books on Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, Published So Far

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.

The 'Pratibeshi' Editorial Was the First in Proposing the Start of Archbishop Ganguly's Canonization

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The October 16, 1977 editorial
in the Pratibeshi weekly of Dhaka

The first Bangali (Bengali) Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, died of heart attack on September 2, 1977. Hundreds and thousands of people of all faiths paid a respect to him on the grounds of the Archbishop's House in Dhaka. Many people were expecting even before his burial that the canonization process start soon.

The national Catholic weekly Pratibeshi was the first official voice to echo the expectation of the people. In its editorial of October 16, 1977, the Pratibeshi proposed that the canonization process -- at least, in the form of gathering information on the Archbishop -- be started soon after the installation of the new archbishop.

Upon my return from U.S. studies, I had joined the Pratibeshi as the Executive Editor in early September, 1977. I was fortunate enough to write the editorial of October 16 (the original Bangla (Bengali) editorial is shown above). The English version of this editorial is provided below:

The Proposal for Beatifying the Archbishop

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, a virtuous person, died only at the age of 57. He was faithful in living his life following Christian ideals. He left excellent examples of his saintliness and other virtues in every aspect of his life. People of all faiths and ethnic groups were attracted to his pleasant behaviour and action and they were very respectful of him.

During his earthly life, certain persons used to call him a "living saint." We believe that after his death, this country needs him to be a declared saint. There are probably many Bangladeshis who are enjoying the bliss of heaven as unproclaimed saints, but for the strengthening of our faith and for imitating his ideals, we have the need for a proclaimed saint. His affirmation as a saint will also prove that the Church in Bangladesh is also firmly placed.

The first step in the canonization process is the beatification. This work starts with studies of the candidate's life, writings and heroic application of his virtues as well as intensive investigation of at least two miracles that God accomplishes through his intercession. If proven true, the Pope publicly declares the candidate a "Blessed." After this, the Church canonizes the candidate after further satisfactory investigation.

The beatification of a person is quite hard and time-consuming affair. If the local Church starts the beatification process in earnest from the very beginning, the burden of the work becomes easier. To start this work, it is imperative that a committee of appropriate persons be formed. It will not function if the work is done being charged with emotions, but it needs to be completed with sufficient prayer, patience and judiciousness. The committee will need sincere prayers and financial contributions from the faithful. We believe that there won't be any dearth of cooperation from the faithful if the beatification of Archbishop Ganguly is initiated. We, therefore, appeal to the local Church authority to actively consider this matter after the installation of the new archbishop.

In reality, the Arcbishop Ganguly's canonization process started in 2006 after 29 years of this editorial. Although late, it is better than doing nothing!

Let us pray and make every effort in getting Archbishop Ganguly canonized for the greater good of the Bangladesh Catholic Church.

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, in Photos

Today is the 33rd death anniversary of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC. The cause of Archbishop's canonization is already on. Bangladeshis, one day, wish to see him declared a "saint."

For the readers of this blog, we present below some interesting photos on the life of Archbishop Ganguly.

Archbishop Ganguly as a boy
at Hashnabad, Dist. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Photo courtesy: Province Review (October, 1977),
published by Priests of Holy Cross, Indiana Province,
Notre Dame, USA

Archbishop Ganguly as a young priest
(date and place unknown)

Photo courtesy: Province Review (Oct., 1977), as above

(L-R) Archbishop Lawrence Leo Graner, CSC, Father John VandenBosche, CSC,
Father George Pope, CSC, consecrator Cardinal Agaginian,
and newly-consecrated Bishop Theotonius A. Ganguly, CSC,
imparting his special blessing at St. Mary's Cathedral,
Ramna, Dhaka (October 7, 1960)

Photo courtesy: Province Review (Oct., 1977), as above

Bishop Ganguly with some Bangali Catholics in Bangladesh
(Date, place and event unknown)

Photo courtesy: Province Review (Oct., 1977), as above

Archbishop Ganguly in one of his poses during a speech at a function
at Notre Dame College auditorium, Dhaka (date and event unknown)

Photo courtesy: Province Archives Centre, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

Archbishop Ganguly speaking to Notre Dame College students
(date and occasion unknown)

Photo courtesy: Province Archives Centre, Notre Dame, Indiana

(L-R) Father Benjamin Costa, CSC (presently, Principal of Notre Dame
College, Dhaka); Father (later, Bishop) Joachim Rozario, CSC;
Father Dominic Rozario, CSC; Archbishop T. A. Ganguly, CSC;
and an American Holy Cross priest (date, place and occasion unknown)

Photo courtesy: Province Archives Centre, Notre Dame, Indiana

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C.: Servant of God - 3

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( L-R: Second from left) Archbishop T. A. Ganguly, C.S.C. of Dhaka,
Bishop Michael Atul D'Rozaio, C.S.C. of Khulna and Bishop
Joachim Rozario of Chittagong met with Prime Minister
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the
newly independent Bangladesh (first from left)
on February 2, 1972 and donated a cheque for
200,000 takas and his episcopal gold chain
and cross for post-independence-war relief
and rehabilitation work in Bangladesh
Photo Courtesy: The Pratibeshi (weekly), Dhaka

My Experience with Archbishop Ganguly

I had the opportunity of knowing Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, personally when I was a seminarian at St. Joseph's Intermediate Seminary at Ramna, Dhaka, in 1964-1966, and later in other places at various occasions. As a seminarian, I sometimes served his Mass, heard his sermons, prayed and meditated together, and had interacted with him.

To me,

• He was a man of faith: Faith had a strong foundation in him. Faith was a guide in his life. His thoughts, words and actions gave witness to his deep faith in God.
• He was a man of prayer: Prayer was an integral part of his life. He drew strength and inspiration from his prayers. Daily in the morning he would be in the cathedral chapel for meditation and Mass and in the afternoon he would spend an hour or so in prayer in the same chapel.
• He was a humble and gentle man: His very humility and gentleness were virtues that attracted people of all faiths to him like a magnet. He was a bright student, an intelligent and learned man, the first Ph.D. in the Bangali Christian community, yet he never displayed a speck of pride about it. He hardly hurt anyone with his word or deed. Once a person encountered with him, he or she could never forget that positive experience.
• He was a pastoral man: As the bishop and archbishop, he was mindful of his pastoral responsibilities. He regularly visited the faithful in different parishes and looked after their pastoral needs. After the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), he made a lasting contribution in translating and introducing the required materials for vernacular (Bengali) liturgy in place of Latin.
• He was a man of compassion and love: His profound compassion and love compelled him to go from place to place to assist the suffering and needy, to provide hope and encouragement to the hopeless, and to right the wrong. Along with Bishop Joachim Rozario, C.S.C., of the Diocese of Chittagong, he played a vital role in founding Caritas Bangladesh, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh. He also gave a tremendous support to the people of all faiths who suffered in the hands of the West Pakistani army and became refugees within East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). He allowed all Catholic parishes and educational institutions to open up their compounds for giving shelter and an all-out support to many of these internal refugees.
• He was a holy man: In some persons, holiness is most graphic, in others it is less recognizable. His thoughts, words, and actions mirrored his holiness and people could see and feel this holiness. He oozed holiness, so to say. His holiness changed many a hearts for the better.
• He was a considerate man: Anyone who wrote him a letter, received his reply -- long or short -- immediately or even a little delayed. In spite of his busy schedule, he would not keep a person waiting indefinitely for his reply.
• He was a respectful person: He respected all -- young and old, rich and poor, and Catholic and non-Catholic. His respect for others always came back to him as a reciprocal respect from others.
• He was an austere man: He lived a life of austerity. His residence, his furniture, and his clothing and other personal effects were as simple as anything. He preferred very simple meals. He was never a 'prince' of the Church, but a pauper. He always availed of the second or third class compartment in the trains and motor launches while going to other towns and villages. In Dhaka city, he used a beaten up car, 'unsuitable' for a bishop or archbishop.
• He was a man of his words: There was such a profound inter-mixture of his words and deeds that one could not but marvel at him. He himself did what he said. He always kept his word in spite of personal difficulties.
• He was a man of inspiration and encouragement: He always inspired and encouraged the youth -- both male and female -- to give leadership in their own spheres. As a result, many Catholic youth organizations came into being, especially after the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.
• He was a man of forgiveness: Jesus' words that one should forgive another person seventy times seven was conscientiously followed by Archbishop Ganguly. Because of his simple and humble demeanor, certain persons from the laity, clergy and Religious, sometimes hurt him verbally and behaviourally, but he was calm and patient in that situation and bore the pain in silence. He was never a reactive person.

May the Servant of God Theotonius Amal Ganguly be a saint and intercede for us more and more.

(L-R) Mr. Brian Kenneth Good, newly-consecrated Bishop
T. A. Ganguly, C.S.C., and Professor Robert Gomes
at a reception in Dhaka
Photo Courtesy: Holy Cross Archives, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

(The End)

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C: The Servant of God - 2

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Father Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C.,
as the first Bangali Bishop in 1960
Photo Courtesy: Holy Cross Archives, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

Entering the Congregation of Holy Cross and Returning Home

As Father Ganguly was interested in entering the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was sent to the Novitiate of the Fathers of Holy Cross in Jordan, Minnesota, USA. After one year, on August 16, 1952, he made his Religious Profession and in October he returned to Dhaka.

On his return, he was appointed a professor of Logic and English at Notre Dame College, founded by the Fathers of Holy Cross in Dhaka in 1949. In 1954, he became the Dean of Studies and, in 1958, the Vice Principal of the college. On March 21, 1960, at the sudden death of Father James L. Martin, CSC, Father Ganguly succeeded him as the principal. He was the first Bangali to hold the position. Students and other professors alike loved him and appreciated his skills.

Consecration as the First Bangali Bishop

On September 13, 1960, Pope John XXIII nominated Father Ganguly as the Auxiliary Bishop of Dhaka, where Most Rev. Lawrence Leo Graner was the archbishop. He took Deus Adjutor Meus (God is my helper) as his motto. On October 7, 1960, Cardinal Gregory Peter Agaginian, Prefect of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in the Vatican, consecrated Father Ganguly as the new local bishop. Hundreds of priests and Religious and thousands of Catholic faithful were present at the ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral in Dhaka. It was a watershed event in the 400-year history of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh.

Elevated to the Position of the Archbishop

In the early 1960s, there was a riot situation in the northern districts of the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) between Bangali Muslims and ethnic Garos (Mandis) and Hajongs. Due to land grabs and other forms of persecution, backed by provincial and local administrations, thousands of these minorities, mostly Christians, left their homesteads and became refugees in the Meghalaya State of India.

Archbishop Graner, who was an Americn, had personally visited the affected areas at the initial stage and requested Governor Monem Khan (belonging to the Muslim League Party) in Dhaka to take immediate action before the situation gets worse. In spite of reminders, the government failed to take appropriate action. The archbishop then had to take recourse to publicizing the sad plight of these ethnic groups in his pastoral letter in the Pratibeshi, the diocesan Catholic newspaper published from Dhaka.

The pastoral letter drew world attention in the United Nations in New York and Pakistan government was unhappy with Archbishop Graner. As a result, he was denied the renewal of his visa. He was told that he could leave the country but could not return. Moreover, Archbishop Graner's whereabouts within the country was under constant government surveillance. In such a suffocating situation, on July 6, 1965, Bishop Ganguly was named the Coadjutor Archbishop with the right to succeed the Archbishop of Dhaka.

After Archbishop Graner left East Pakistan on November 23, 1967, Archbishop Ganguly took over the responsibility of the Archdiocese of Dhaka. When Archbishop Graner formally resigned from his position, Bishop Ganguly was installed as the new Archbishop of Dhaka. He was the first Bangali Archbishop, too.

Sudden Death

As the Archbishop, he made an enormous contribution to the Catholic Church in Bangladesh as a whole and the Archdiocese of Dhaka in particular. In thick and thin, he carried out his responsibilities relentlessly. This burden of responsibility was affecting him physically, too. On September 2, 1977, Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly died of a sudden heart failure at the age of 57 years. The Christian community of Bangladesh was shocked to learn of the untimely death of their dear archbishop.

Condolences were offered from within the country and abroad. On September 4, 1977, Bishops, foreign ambassadors, government officials, hundreds of priests and Religious, and thousands of people of all faiths were present at his funeral at the Archbishop's House, Dhaka. All of them were grieving the death of a holy man.

I am happy at the concrete initiative taken for the canonization process of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, who will ultimately receive a profound recognition for his holy and virtuous life. May he be a beacon of light and hope for people of all faiths.

(Continued)

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C: The Servant of God - 1

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Servant of God Archbishop Theotonius
Amal Ganguly, C.S.C. (1920-1977)
Photo Courtesy: The Lightning Studio, Tejgaon, Dhaka

September 2 is the death anniversary of Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C. -- also known as Archbishop T. A. Ganguly. He was a popular and well-respected archbishop of Dhaka, Bangladesh. His humility and holiness attracted persons of different persuasions and faiths.

His Canonization Initiated

Immediately upon his death on September 2, 1977, there was a popular demand that his canonization process start as soon as possible. We have seen such a popular call when Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005. Among thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for mourning the death of the pope, there were people raising up banners demanding "Santo subito" -- saint immediately!

After long 29 years, Archbishop Ganguly's canonization process started in 2006. Archbishop Paulinus Costa of Dhaka, on September 2 of that year, in an official ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral in Dhaka, introduced the causes and opened the diocesan inquiry on Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, C.S.C.

The Process of Canonization

After the death of a person, a minimum of five years has to pass before taking up the causes of his or her canonization. The canonization process has several steps: (1) Servant of God, (2) Venerable, (3) Blessed, and (4) Saint.

First, the local Bishop of the diocese, where the subject of canonization belonged, writes an official letter, containing the life of the person, and seeks the Pope's permission to start the canonization process. After receiving the permission or no-objection from the Vatican, the local Bishop officially launches the introduction of the causes and the opening of the diocesan inquiry. The subject of canonization is then called the "Servant of God." The bishop also forms a diocesan tribunal where witnesses give testimonies to the Christian virtues of the person considered heroic. These are theological virtues (faith, hope and charity), cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude), and other virtues specific to the person's state of life. The tribunal also collects all available documents (the person's own handwritten, typewritten, and printed writings as well as other writers' books and writings on him or her).

On the completion of the diocesan process, the bishop sends all documentation to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican. The Congregation then studies them and, if satisfied at the heroic virtues of the person, issues a decree announcing him or her the "Venerable."

If the Venerable died a martyr's death, the Pope himself officially declares person a martyr through a decree and allows the beatification ceremony. After this, the person is called the "Blessed." If the Venerable died a normal death, the Congregation requires a proof of a miracle that has taken place through his or her intercession. The Pope himself gives recognition to the miracle and allows the Congregation to issue a decree for the beatification. After the beatification ceremony, the person is called the "Blessed." A feast day is also permitted to be observed in the Blessed's own diocese and certain other places.

In the last step, another miracle is required to be proven after the beatification. The Pope then asks the Congregation to prepare for the canonization of the person. The canonization ceremony confirms that the person is holy and is in heaven. He or she is then called the "Saint" and is allowed to be venerated throughout the Catholic Church.

Short Biography of Archbishop Ganguly

Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly was born on January 18, 1920 at Hashnabad village under Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in the then Dhaka district, British India (now Bangladesh). His parents were Nicholas Komol and Romana Komola Ganguly. His father was a cook in Calcutta and mother a housewife in the village. Chubby-looking Theotonius was the second of the three brothers -- the eldest being Xavier and the youngest Anthony Bimol. His elder brother later became a doctor and practised in Calcutta and his younger brother was a contractor, member of the local Union Council, drama director and social worker.

He grew up under the loving care of his pious mother. From his childhood he used to assist his mother in her household chores -- sweeping the rooms and the yard, ironing clothes with a bottle filled with hot water, and drawing water from the nearby river. Daily prayers were an integral part of his family. From his young age he also began to attend daily Mass and assist the priest as an altar boy.

His Early Studies

With his elder brother, he began to attend the primary section of the Holy Cross High School at nearby Bandura village under the care of the Brothers of Holy Cross. He was an active and bright student who used to gain the first place in his class. He would all along get the highest marks in English, Bengali and Mathematics. He was also skillful in music, acting and recitation. His singing voice was quite popular in the area. At the school annual plays, twice he received prizes on singing and acting. Teachers would praise his brilliance in studies and gentle demeanor and ask other students to emulate them.

Entrance to the Minor Seminary

In 1937, when he was in grade VIII at the Holy Cross High School, he entered the minor seminary, called Little Flower Seminary, at Bandura. From his childhood he was interested in being a priest. At home he used to play 'Mass' with his mates by using a wooden stool as an altar, a towel as a vestment, and leaves as holy communion!

At the seminary he began his studies in earnest. On holidays, he would go to his village and help the parish priest by teaching hymns to some youths and prepare them for both Christmas and Easter Masses. He was also the only Bangali (Bengali) in the locality who could play an organ at the time.

In 1940, he passed the Matriculation (presently called the Secondary School Certificate or S.S.C.) Examinations in grade 10, held under the University of Calcutta, in the First Division -- gaining the third place with a special scholarship.

Entrance to the Major Seminary and Priesthood

The local bishop then sent him to the major seminary, called St. Albert's Seminary, run by the Jesuit Fathers at Ranchi of Bihar State, India. As usual, he was liked and appreciated by both the professors and seminarians for his studies and humble behaviour.

He successfully completed two years of philosophy and four years of theology studies at the seminary and, on June 5, 1947, was ordained a diocesan priest at St. Mary's Cathedral, Ranchi, by Jesuit Bishop Oscar Sevrin.

Higher Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

After his ordination, Father Theotonius Amal Ganguly returned to Dhaka and was placed at the Little Flower Seminary as an English and Latin teacher for a short period.

In the same year of 1947, the newly consecrated Bishop Lawrence Leo Graner, C.S.C., of the Diocese of Dhaka, sent Father Ganguly to the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, for higher studies in philosophy. First, he completed his M.A. in Philosophy and then, in 1951, he received his Ph.D. degree in Philosophy. His doctoral dissertation, called Purush and Prakriti (Self and Nature): A Philosophical Appraisal of Patanjali - Samkhya - Yoga. (Patanjali, an ancient Hindu philosopher promoting yoga for inner contemplation, was born in India in about 250 B.C.). Father Ganguly was the first Bangali Christian to obtain a Ph.D. degree.

(Continued)

Bangladesh Catholic Church Has Its Own Teachers' Training College

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Sister Moli Costa, CSC, the principal of Archbishop T. A. Ganguly
Teachers' Training College, on the day of the inauguration.
Archbishop T. A. Ganguly's photo is on the background.

(L - R) The teachers' training college principal Sister Moli Costa, CSC,
Holy Cross College professor Sister Joseph Mary, CSC,
and Holy Cross Brothers' superior Brother Binoy Gomes, CSC,
with other participants at the inauguration ceremony

St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School and College,
where Archbishop T. A. Ganguly Teachers' Training
College is holding its classes in the afternoon
Photos received through the courtesy of Brother Nipu Hubert Rozario, CSC

Archbishop Paulinus Costa inaugurated Archbishop T. A. Ganguly Teachers' Training College in Dhaka on June 25, 2009. Vatican nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Education Bishop Theotonius Gomes, CSC, and the only Christian member of the Parliament Promode Mankin were present at the ceremony along with other guests and teachers and students of the college.

Housed at St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School and College building, the teachers' training classes started on July 1 with 34 students. Sister Moli Gomes, CSC, is the first principal of this college, which has a capacity for 100 students. Both Catholic and non-Catholic teachers will receive training in this college.

Named after Archbhishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly, CSC, -- the first Bangali bishop and archbishop of Bangladesh -- the college is run by the Episcopal Commission for Christian Education under the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB). It is noteworthy that the canonization process of Archbishop Ganguly started in the recent past.

The Pratibeshi, the national Catholic weekly, reports that among 120 teachers' colleges in Bangladesh, it is the first such Christian college. The Catholic Church in its six dioceses of Bangladesh is involved in education since 1853. It has four colleges, 48 high schools, 12 junior high schools, and more than 130 primary schools.