'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.

'A Glimpse Into Garo Folktales' -- A Book That Narrates and Analyses Garo Children's Story and Storytelling

A Glimpse Into Garo Folktales: A Narrative and Ethnographic
Analysis of Garo Children Story and Storytelling

This book, written by Father Leonard Shankar Rozario, C.S.C., has been published by Bhashaprokash, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in October 2015. 

It introduces the people of Bangladesh, including the Garo, Mande [Mandi], and A'chik people living in the northern districts of Bangladesh, and provides critical details on the tribals of Bangladesh, especially, the Garos, their migration, and settlement, the ways and forms of their history passed onto new generations, Garo language and literature in Bangladesh, their culture, matriarchy, nok-pante [the house where unmarried young men live until attaining marriageable age] system, ways and forms of Garo folktales handed down to new generations, research and collection of Garo folktales, research findings (ethnographic analysis, and ethnography of Garo storytelling), narrative analysis (structure of Garo folktales, non-verbal behaviours, confirmation checks, and repetition), and appendices (Bangladesh map and Madhupur forest area, observation checklist, research questions, structure of Garo folktales with confirmation checks and repetitions). 

To understand the Garos of Bangladesh, this book will be quite helpful.

A Book on the Laws for Christians of Bangladesh

Christander Jonnya Beboharik Aiin Porichiti 
(Introduction to the laws for Christians of Bangladesh),
Edited by Advocate Father Albert Thomas Rozario)

This Bengali-language book, Christander Jonnya Beboharik Aiin Porichiti (An introduction to the laws for Christians of Bangladesh), edited by Advocate Father Albert Thomas Rozario -- a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Dhaka.

Published by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh and Caritas Bangladesh in September of 2007, this book, in 33 chapters, lays out the land laws, personal and family laws, and criminal laws specifically relevant to the Bangali and indigenous (tribal) Christian communities of Bangladesh.

The specific topics covered in the book are: Historical background of the land management and land preservation, some important aspects of land management and preservation, the outlines of the land management, land reform laws of Bangladesh, land survey, the methods of land management and preservation of land rights, khotian (ledger book) and porcha (settlement record), laws on land purchase and registration of documents, land documents, laws on gift and gifting of land, laws on making wills, power of attorney, mutation, land taxes, pre-emption of khas land (government-owned land),  handover of the vested land (revised) laws of 2011, law suits, Bangladesh Christian inheritance laws, indigenous peoples, land rights of the indigenous peoples of Chittagong Hill Tracts, land problems: land lease, the realisation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Agreement, Christian family laws, Christian marriage and the Church laws (canon laws), marriage under the Church's Canon Laws (applicable to the Roman Catholics only), divorce (dissolution of marriage), the Sacrament of Marriage: According to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, affidavit (changing of one's first name or surname), arbitration and the limits of the social trials in the traditional laws,  laws on children, ezahar or the First Information Report, jamin (bail), ezahar, chargesheet, final report, and techniques of jamin), General Diary (G.D.), Bangladesh judicial system, different types of crimes and their punishments, legal terminology, some legal abbreviations, and, finally, a list of some measurements. 

This book is a helpful aid to understand the laws relevant to the Christians of Bangladesh. Every Christian family should have a copy of this book in its collection.

'Rangar Maar Tia' -- A Bengali-Language Book

Rangar Maar Tia (The parrot of the mother of Ranga) --
a Bengali-language book by David Swapan Rozario

Written by David Swapan Rozario and published by the Pratibeshi Prakashani of Dhaka in July 2018, it is his second book with 167 pages covering 29 topics. 

Written in his usual 'village storyteller's style,' it is attractive to its readers. In these "stories," he provides his personal witness to incidences and events in his village of Rangamatia (in the district of Gazipur of Bangladesh), his Biman Bangladesh offices in Dhaka and abroad, personal encounters with certain persons, celebration of some feasts and festivals, and his visits to places of interest in India. Finally, he also mentions some historical tidbits on the formation of the Bhawal Christian Jubo Samity and his role in it. 

If interested, you may also read about David Swapan Rozario's first book, Angshik Holeo Shotto (It's true, though partially) by clicking here.

Books By Jerome D'Costa

Jerome D'Costa's Original, Edited, 

Compiled, and Translated Books

Jerome D'Costa, the blogger of this blog, Bangladesh Canada and Beyond, has the following books to his credit.

Original Books:

Bangladeshey Catholic Mondoli

[The Catholic Church in Bangladesh] 

This 517-page book, in the Bengali language, is the first volume of Jerome D'Costa's history of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh. It was published by the Pratibeshi Prakashani of Dhaka in 1986. It provides the emergence of Christianity in Bangladesh and its expansion in the greater Archdiocese of Dhaka. 

As a background, it tells about the missionary effort of St. Thomas the Apostle in western India, the adventurous journey and conquests of the Portuguese in India and exploits and missionary methods of various groups of Portuguese missionaries, and the contributions of the Portuguese in India.

In the next chapter, it speaks of the coming and work, first of the French and later U.S. missionaries belonging to the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is followed by the coming of the European (Belgian Province) Benedictine missionaries, replacing the work of the Holy Cross missionaries and the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bengal and then East Bengal.

The following chapter deals in detail the establishment of the Dhaka Diocese, later an archdiocese, and the return of the Holy Cross missionaries. It also gives a pen-picture of the work of all the bishops there. 

The last chapter provides information on various Catholic parishes belonging to this Archdiocese.

This attempt to write the history of the Catholic Church is the first of its kind in the Bengali language.

Christan Dharmashikkhya Shahayika

[An aid to teaching Christian religion]

This is the third edition of the Bengali-language book of Jerome D'Costa, published by the Pratibeshi Prakashani of Dhaka in June 1993 (the earlier two editions were in February 1983 and June 1985) on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2: 39-52, Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7, the complete Gospel of Mark, and the Acts of the Apostles Chapters 1 and 2. 

Jesus Christ's complete life and teachings are covered through questions-and-answers, in-depth explanations, and short expository notes on persons, places, and certain words. 

Although written for students of Classes 9 and 10, this 212-page book is helpful to anyone willing to learn and understand Jesus' life and teachings comprehensively.  

You may read it online at Christan Dharmashikkhya Shahayika
   


Edited Book:

Oisho Ahban

[God's Calling or Vocation]

It's a Bengali-language 64-page book, edited by Jerome D'Costa, and published by the Serra Club of Dhaka, Bangladesh, in December 1995. It deals with the vocation to the priesthood and Religious life in Bangladesh. It also provides information on six congregations of priests, seven congregations of Brothers, and 17 congregations of Sisters labouring in Bangladesh. 

The intended audience of this book is Catholic young men and women, who aspire to join Catholic diocesan priesthood or Religious order in Bangladesh. 

You may read it online at Oisho Ahban



Compiled Book:

Ajker Jonnya Chinta

[Thought for Today]

This is a 63-page Bengali-language booklet, compiled by Jerome D'Costa and edited by Father Silvano Garello, SX. Published in 1991 by the National Catechetical Social Training Centre of Jessore, Bangladesh, it offers 156 quotations of different Christian personalities of the world dealing with topics relevant to our daily affairs. 

In Bengali, it is the first of its kind of publication. 

You may read it online at Ajker Jonnya Chinta

Translated Books (English to Bengali):

Bibeler Notun Niom Porichiti

[Introduction to the New Testament]

It's a Jerome D'Costa's 103-page Bengali-language translation, published in 1974 by the Christio Shahitya Sangsad, based at the Mathis House of Notre Dame College, introduces the New Testament (NT) of the Bible to its readers. 

This book covers the following: the arrangement of the books of the NT, political background of the period, different religious communities in Palestine, Apostolic Church, Apostolic teachings, writing methodology of the Gospels, Letters of the NT, Johannine writings, writers of the NT books, teachings of the NT, structure of the Canons (approved books) of the NT, manuscripts and portions of the original books, and chronology (timeline) of the NT. 

You may read it online at Bibeler Notun Niom Porichiti

Jajokio Shikkhya Shomporke Nirdeshnama

[Vatican II document on Priestly Formation]

This 28-page booklet, published by Father Francis J. Gomes of the Pratibeshi Office, Dhaka, in 1974, provides the new outlook and approach taken by the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) regarding the Catholic priestly formation. 

It speaks of the programme of priestly formation to be undertaken by each country, the urgent fostering of priestly vocations, setting up of major seminaries, the careful development of the spiritual training, the revision of the ecclesiastical studies, the promotion of strictly pastoral training, and training to be achieved after the course of studies.

You may read it online at 

Jajokio Shikkhya Shomporke Nirdeshnama (Part 1)

and  Jajokio Shikkhya Shomporke Nirdeshnama (Part 2)

Lourder Rani O Shaddhi Bernadette

[Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette]

This 32-page Bengali-language book, translated by Jerome D'Costa, was published in May of 1978 by Brother Flavian Laplante, CSC, of the Moriom Ashram of Diang near Chittagong. 

It portrays the simple and humble life of Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) -- a village belle to whom Jesus' mother Mary appeared 18 times in visions (apparitions) between February 11 and July 16 of 1858 in Lourdes of France.  

This book also provides a brief description of each of the apparitions and the messages Our Lady left with Bernadette, who later was declared a saint of the Catholic Church on December 8, 1933. 

You may read it online at Lourder Rani O Shaddhi Bernadette 

Morubhumir Mohanayok Charles de Foucauld

[Charles de Foucauld: A Hero Of the Desert]

It is Jerome D'Costa's Bengali translation of the English-language book The Life and Message of Brother Charles of Jesus. This Bengali version was published by Father Klaus Beurle of the Little Flower Seminary, Bandura, Bangladesh in April 1980.

It's a short biography of Father Charles de Foucauld, who was born into an illustrious and affluent French family. He was a cavalry officer in the French army, he explored Morocco in North Africa, and later became a missionary there where he was also killed by an assassin on December 1, 1916. The book also speaks of his deep spirituality in the desert and provides a short glimpse of the societies and congregations of priests, Brothers, and Sisters who follow his examples and spirituality in their lives.

You may read it online at 

Charles de Foucauld: A Hero Of the Desert - 1
                                                 
                        
Charles de Foucauld: A Hero Of the Desert - 2

Charles de Foucauld: A Hero of the Desert - 3

Manob Jibon

[Humane Vitae -- Of Human Life]

It is Jerome D’Costa’s 16-page Bengali-language translation of the Humane Vitae (Of Human Life) – the 1968 encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI on the regulation of birth, published by the Catholic Church's Natural Family Planning Centre of Dhaka on July 20, 1980. 

Addressed to patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, priests, the faithful of the Catholic Church and all men of goodwill, this letter speaks of the (i) Problem and Competency of the Magisterium [teaching authority of the Church]: new questions, interpreting the moral law, special studies, and the Magisterium’s reply; (ii) Doctrinal Principles: God’s loving design, unlawful birth control methods, lawful therapeutic means, recourse to infertile periods, consequences of artificial methods, limits to man’s power, and concern of the Church; and (iii) Pastoral Directives: value of self-discipline, promotion of chastity, appeal to public authorities, to scientists, to Christian couples, recourse to God, family apostolate, to priests, and bishops. 

You may read it online at Manob Jibon

Jishur Kacchey Ashun

[Come to Jesus]

This is Jerome D’Costa’s Bengali-language translation of Fr. Marcelino Iragui’s book, Meet Jesus, a book on Catholic charismatic renewal, published by the Pratibeshi Prakashani of Dhaka in June 1981.

This book speaks of God’s love, but we lose that love by our sins. Through the Holy Spirit, we can renew ourselves and be near God and enjoy his love for us.

The chapters that cover this book are: I loved you with eternal love, Gospel message: the birth of the Holy Spirit among us, repent!, cure of the memories, be filled with the Holy Spirit, preparation for being filled with the Holy Spirit, born for love: fruit of the Holy Spirit, born for service: gift of the Holy Spirit, with God in a new language, to speak for God in prophesying, you are all elected for singing the praise of God.

Polli Unnoyone Khomotar Shomporko:
Bangldesher Obostha

[Power Relations in Rural Development: The Case of Bangladesh]

This is the Bengali-language translation of Father Richard W. Timm, CSC's English-language book by Jerome D’Costa and published by Caritas Bangladesh in September 1983.

It provides an analysis of the increasing discrimination between the rich and poor countries as well as that of Bangladesh. Next, it speaks of how Bangladeshis evolved and became the target of attacks and domination by various other groups of people. Even after independence in 1971, that influence is still affecting its people adversely. The urbanites now dominating the ruralites in politics, economy, and culture.

The author also demonstrates the social structure of the villages where one group dominates over others. In rural development, too, there is discrimination among groups. There is also a lack of equity in international aid and trade whereby rural farmers don’t gain much.

Father Timm, then, asks whether Bangladesh was really an international basket case? In spite of all these problems and discrepancies, he suggests that general people-oriented development, people’s active participation and empowerment with emphasis on women’s development, will lead Bangladesh toward a truly developing country. 

(Updated on March 7, 2019)

'Amar Praner Psalmgeet': A Bengali-Language Musical Notation Book and A CD on the Psalms of the Bible

Amar Praner Psalmgeet -- the first volume of the
Bengali-language musical notation book on the Psalms 

Amar Praner Psalmgeet -- the first CD
of Bengali-language songs on some selected Psalms

Dr. Bartholomeo Prottyush Shaha's Amar Praner Psalmgeet (My beloved psalms) is the first volume, covering 50 of the total of 150 Biblical psalms. The author of this Bengali-language book wrote the lyrics, based on the original psalms, and also produced their musical notations.

These psalms, popular among Bengali-speaking Catholics in Bangladesh and abroad, are used in the Holy Mass and other worship services. 

Dr. Bartholomeo Prottyush Shaha playing on the harmonium in Bangladesh

Dr. Shaha, hailing from Chittagong of Bangladesh, has been writing lyrics and music notations of various music genre since 1965. Many of his musical creations found a place in the Geetaboli, a Catholic book of songs, published by the Pratibeshi Prakashoni in Dhaka, Bangladesh. So far he has three musical notation books to his credit. 

He was involved with the YMCAs of Hong Kong and Geneva (Switzerland) holding executive positions. 

'Probondoshomogro': A Book of Essays and Articles by Father Benjamin Costa, C.S.C.

The book cover of Probondoshomogro, written by Father Benjamin Costa, C.S.C., 
the then Acting Vice-Chancellor of  Notre Dame University Bangladesh

This 400-page Bengali-language book, by Father Benjamin Costa, C.S.C. – former professor and Acting Vice-Chancellor of Notre Dame University Bangladesh, was published in early 2017 by Lekhaprokash of Dhaka.

It contains a collection of 58 write-ups, previously published in different newspapers, magazines, and journals in Bangladesh.

The main thread of his writings is God is love and we need to put that love into practice in our daily lives irrespective of our professions and religions.

The varied topics he covered in his book are:

• God, and being holy like God
• Jesus Christ (Christmas, Easter, Jesus as the ideal teacher)
• Kingdom of God: social perspectives
• Catholic Church and other Christian Churches
• Role of Churches in spreading Christ’s teachings
• Unity of Christian Churches
• Spirituality, and personal and collective spirituality
• The spirituality of religion teachers
• Spiritual formation of social-development workers
• Father Basil Moreau’s vision and present-day Congregation of Holy Cross
• The Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh: its past and present situation
• Holy Cross Novitiate in Bangladesh
• History of the formation of priest-candidates of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh
• Moral and spiritual formation of children and adolescents
• Family being the seed-beds of religious vocations
• Role of family in building a corruption-free society
• Role of youth organizations in the formation of values
• Role of the youth in the present realities of life
• Characteristics of a successful youth leader
• Teaching and teachers, and the role of teachers in changing societies
• The necessity of self-giving and self-dedication in the teaching profession
• How to curb students' increasing cheating or cribbing tendencies in academic tests and examinations
• Human rights, including those of minority communities, in the light of the Bangladesh Constitution
• Human rights, labour rights, and family rights
• Justice for peace and harmony in society
• Women’s rights in Christianity and present situation
• Basic and indivisible inheritance of all peoples
• The need for prayers for world peace and welfare of peoples
• Inter-religious communion and harmony
• Peaceful coexistence and cooperation among followers of different faiths
• Religious directions on religious fraternity and harmony
• Poet Nazrul Islam and inter-religious harmony
• Medical care is a liberating service
• Non-violence and world peace
• Globalization of religious beliefs
• Role of religion in countering terrorism
• Role of families in countering terrorism 

This book will enlighten both Christian and non-Christian readers, who can learn something valuable from it for the benefit of themselves and others.

'Angshik Holeo Shotto' Is A Book of Reminiscence

The cover of the book, Angshik Holeo Shotto

David Swapan Rozario's book, Angshik Holeo Shotto (It's true, though partially), is a 228-page Bengali-language book, published in January this year. This book reminisces his childhood and adolescent experiences at Rangamatia Village of Gazipur

District, Bangladesh; his work life at the Bangladesh Biman Airlines offices in Dhaka and certain other countries; some observations on Catholic religious teachings, Christmas season, and some personalities; and his and his wife's travels to different cities of India, Thailand, Singapore, Italy, Canada, and the USA.

The 37 topics, written in the popular style, make interesting reading. 

The book was published from Hartford, Connecticut, USA.

The NSCTC Launches Its New Catalogue of Catholic Books, Posters, CDs and DVDs

Some of the Catholic books of the NSCTC

The main building of the National Social Catechetical Training Centre (NSCTC)  at Jessore, Bangladesh

Photo courtesy: NSCTC

The National Social Catechetical Training Centre (NSCTC) of Jessore, Bangladesh, recently published its latest Bengali-language catalogue of its books, posters, CDs and DVDs. This particular catalogue is now online at Jerome D’Costa Documents website. 

Interested Bengali-speaking readers, living abroad, will now be able to place their orders through the email and telephone numbers mentioned in the catalogue. 

The catalogued items are divided into following categories: the Bible, biography, catechism, Catholic dictionary, Catholic terminology, Christian life, Christian martyrs, Church Fathers, Church history, healing, holy sacraments, inter-Church and inter-religious issues, liturgy, meditations, pastoral work, plays and songs, social teachings of the Church, and spirituality. The centre also publishes the subscription-based bimonthly magazine 'Mongolbarta' (Good News) in Bengali.

Father Sergio Targa is the director of this centre and Father Silvano Garello, S.X., based in Dhaka, is the editor and one of the writers and translators of books. The National Social Catechetical TrainingCentre has to date published more than 230 books.