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)

Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J.: The First Native-born Priest of Bangladesh -- 2

Map courtesy: www.mapsofbangladesh.blogspot.com/

Political Trouble in Bengal

It’s not known exactly when Garcia became priest and where he carried on his missionary duty. But, it is true that in the intervening period of his study in Goa and his return from there, Bengal was in turmoil. In 1603, Man Singh, the Mughal-appointed governor of Bengal, declared war against Raja Pratapadittya of Chandika. Within three years, local Mughal subedar Islam Khan defeated Pratapadittya and arrested him. He was being sent to Agra as a prisoner and, on his way there, he died in 1611. Later Raja Kedar Rai also died after he was defeated by the Mughals. After the death of these two Hindu rulers, Bengal again fell into the hands of the Muslims.

Father Emmanuel Garcia Found in Hooghly

Hooghly was a firmly established Portuguese settlement where 35,000 Portuguese and local Catholics lived. After several years, Father Garcia is found there doing his work as a priest.

At the time, some Portuguese – mostly settled in Chittagong -- instead of doing regular commerce, resorted to piracy in the Bay of Bengal and its connecting rivers in collusion with the Moghs of Arakan of present-day Myanmar (Burma). They used to go to Mughal-administered territories of Bengal by their fast-moving small ships and attack assembled people in local bazaars (marketplaces) and rural wedding ceremonies of both Hindus and Muslims and carry away as many people as possible and their movable properties. Things that were immovable, were set on fire. The captives would then be sold as slaves in distant places and many of them were forced to convert to Christianity when they were put into service under the Portuguese. The Mughal government and local merchants and ordinary people were fed up with their marauding adventures. In addition, the Portuguese were also failing to pay the required taxes to the Mughal government.

All these and other reasons led to a drastic action from Mughal emperor Shahjahan, who in 1632, ordered his subedar (governor) of Bengal, Qasim Khan Juyini, to take punitive action against the Portuguese. He ordered a total blockade of the Portuguese settlement of Hooghly and capture all its inhabitants and send them to Agra, the capital of Mughal Empire, as slaves.

The Mughal blockade came in June of 1632 with about 150,000 soldiers against 300 Portuguese troops and 700 local Christians in defense of Hooghly. The Portuguese sent a Jesuit priest to negotiate peace, but Mughal commander Bahadur Khan mentioned what the offenses of the Portuguese were and demanded a search for slaves taken from Mughal territories and punishment of those who purchased those slaves. At the refusal of the Portuguese to concede to a search, an attack was made against them by land and river. The Portuguese repulsed the attack. The Portuguese sought more negotiations, but ultimately they failed. After three months of blockade, several thousand starving inhabitants fled downriver, but Hoogly fell to the Mughals with a great loss of life and capture of about 4,400 Christians, both Portuguese and Bangali. Among them were Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J. and three other European priests.

The captives were chained and led toward Agra on foot. After eight months, they reached Agra haggard and weak. The emperor demanded that they apostatize (renounce Christianity and convert to Islam) or face death by being trampled under the feet of enraged elephants. Some apostatized, others refused to do so but faced deadly persecution. At the refusal of four Catholic priests, the emperor ordered them to be trampled on by elephants. At the last moment, because of the intervention of Asaf Khan, father-in-law of emperor Shah Jahan, the priests were spared the ignominious death by elephant trampling, but they were placed in a dungeon where they faced constant persecution.

On March 23, 1634, Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J. died in captivity. In a cemetery in Agra, his grave stone has these written: “Let the soul of Father Emmanuel Garcia, who gave up his life for Christianity, rest in peace.”

The first local priest of Bangladesh died a heroic death being steadfast to this faith. Let him be a source of inspiration for the present generation of Christians in Bangladesh.

The Second Native-born Priest of Bangladesh

It is worth mentioning here that the second local priest of Bangladesh was Father Antonio da Rosario (also known as Father Antoine da Rosario). He was the son of a Hindu zaminder (raja) of Bhushana of the present district of Gopalganj in Bangladesh. In 1663, Mogh pirates kidnapped this young person and took him to Arakan. Portuguese priest Father Manuel da Rosario bought him from the pirates and tried to convert him to Christianity, but failed. It is said, the young man, one day, in a dream saw St. Anthony of Padua telling him to accept Christianity. He then received baptism as a Christian and took his new name after St. Anthony. In 1670, he returned to Bhushana and preached Christianity among his own people. He then preached in the Bhawal region (north and north-east of Dhaka) and Assam. His method of preaching and teaching religion among low-caste Hindus was through song, dialogue and debate. He is said to have converted 20,000 people to Christianity in two years. Later, towards the end of the 17^th century, he prepared the written manuscript, Brahman-Roman Catholic Sambad (Brahman-Roman Catholic news) in the dialogue style.

Sources:

1. Raja Pratapadittyer Jugey Ekti Bangali Jajok (One Bangali priest at the time of Raja Pratapadittya) by Father Pierre Fallon, S.J. (Dhaka: The Pratibeshi weekly -- Christmas Issue, 1972).

2. D’Costa, Jerome, Bangladeshey Catholic Mondoli (The Catholic Church in Bangladesh), Dhaka: Pratibeshi Prakashani, 1988), p. 15-17, 136.

3. The Internet edition of the Banglapedia, Dhaka: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

4. The Cambridge History of India (Mughal Period), pp. 190-192.

(The End)

(To visit the first page of this article, please click here)

Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J.: The First Native-born Priest of Bangladesh -- 1

Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J.

The above sketch drawn from imagination
(Toronto: Feb. 5, 2011) © Joachim Romeo D'Costa

Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J., in the 17th century, was the first native-born (Bangali) Roman Catholic priest in the territory now comprising Bangladesh. He was a priest belonging to the Jesuit Order.

Before we deal with him any further, let’s see the state of the Catholic Church in India and Bangladesh.

The Portuguese in India

After Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo), an Italian navigator, on behalf of the monarchy of Spain, discovered America in 1492, Portuguese navigator Vasco-da-Gama did his bit by discovering the sea route to India in 1498 by landing at Calicut (the present-day Kozhikode) of the State of Kerala in India. This event starts the Portuguese presence in India for the next five centuries. The main motive of these daring adventures was getting access to the profitable spices of India and other Asian countries. Before this, the Venetians of Italy had the sole European monopoly of trading in spices imported through land routes of the western Asia.

In 1500, Pedro Alvarez Cabral sets up a factory -- a trading post or a business establishment for purchase and sale of goods -- at Calicut. It was the first European factory in India. In 1503, Alfonso de Albuquerque erected the first Portuguese fortress in India at Cochin (Kochi). In 1505, Dom Francisco de Almeida arrives in Cochin as the first Portuguese Viceroy of India.

The Portuguese then gradually acquired territories in western India by conquests. In 1510, they conquered Goa, and later Daman and Diu. At the same time, the Portuguese began to send their traders to visit different ports of India along its coasts, including Bengal. With the adventurers and traders came Catholic missionaries of different Religious Orders (Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits). They began to erect churches in different mission centres. Later, they also set up seminaries and colleges in Goa to give formation to candidates to priesthood.

From 1517 onwards, Portuguese began to call on ports in Bengal. In 1537, they were given permission to settle and open factories at Satgaon, near Hooghly, of West Bengal and in Chittagong of present Bangladesh. In 1577, Mughal emperor Akbar allowed them to build permanent settlements and churches in Bengal. Antonio Tavares, founded the new Portuguese settlement of Ugolim (Hooghly) in 1579-1580. This was at the mouth of the Ganges near their first settlement at Satgaon, which was the Mughal government port but in decline at the time. This new town grew fast and, in 1603, it had about 5,000 Portuguese inhabitants with a number of Catholic churches and other institutions.

The First Church in Bangladesh

The Jesuits were keen to preach Christianity in Bengal. In 1598, two of their missionaries, Father Francesco Fernandes, S.J., and Father Domingo da Sousa, S.J. came to Hooghly from Goa. After some months, they headed for East Bengal through the Sunderbans forest. On their way, they visited Chandika (also known as Chandecan in Portuguese, Iswaripur or Old Jessore) near Kaliganj in the present district of Satkhira. Chandika was the main city of the kingdom of Raja Pratapadittya. (This king was one of the renowned Baaro Bhuiyans --twelve chieftains -- of Bengal. These Bhuiyas were powerful and had revolted against the Mughal emperor). The king was gracious to his foreign guests and after knowing their intention of coming to Bengal, eagerly gave them permission to preach and build churches in his territory.

Within a short period, these two priests were able to preach and convert 200 Bangalis of Chandika to Christianity. In 1599, Father Fernandes built a church and a rectory at Chandika. The new church, called the ‘Church of the Holy Name of Jesus,’ was dedicated on January 1, 1600. King Pratapadittya himself was present at the ceremony. This was the first church in Bangladesh area.

Sripur: The Homeland of Father Emmanuel Garcia, S.J.

Sripur was an important port on the bank of the Kaliganga River, a branch of the mighty Padma River. It was situated in the present Bangladesh district of Munshiganj, 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Sonargaon. Once a busy port, it was completely eroded by the furious currents of the river around 1882. Presently there’s no sign of its existence.

In its hey days, Sripur boasted of being the capital city of Raja Chand Rai and his son Raja Kedar Rai, two Bhuiyans of Bengal. Its ship building and repairing facilities were well-known at the time. Many Portuguese, living there, were engaged in commerce. Other Portuguese also got their ships repaired there. Ralph Fitch (c.1550-1611), a British merchant, traveler and explorer, mentions Sripur as an emporium of trade and commerce and describes his trip from Sripur to Pegu of the present-day Myanmar (Burma) in a ship belonging to Alberto Carvalho, a Portuguese. In 1612, Portuguese Augustinian priests built a church at Sripur and, by 1616, it became an official Catholic missionary centre. There were about 1,000 Portuguese and Bangali Catholics in Sripur.

After their mission in Chandika in 1599, when Father Fernandes, S.J. and Father da Sousa, S.J. reached Sripur for a visit, Raja Kedar Rai welcomed them with friendly gestures. While being there, these two priests came across two Bangali young men who were eager to join their Order and become priests. They were ultimately sent to Goa for higher studies at the famous Santa Fe Theology College. This college accommodated students from different parts of India where the Portuguese had their settlements. One of these two students was Emmanuel Garcia (as converts to Christianity at the time had to take a Christian name as the first name and a Portuguese surname, his original Bangla or Bengali name is not recorded anywhere).

(Continued)