The Church in Bangladesh and the Congregation of Holy Cross marked the 46th Anniversary of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly’s death with great devotion. On Sunday, September 1, remembrances and celebrations were held in all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Dhaka and in other churches throughout the country, including his hometown, where the Most Rev. Bejoy D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka, presided at the Mass.

Then on the actual anniversary, Monday, September 2, a large celebration was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka, with many laity, priests, religious, and seminarians in attendance. The program began with an introduction by Fr. Alberto Rozario, Parish Priest at the Cathedral, and a sharing by the Servant of God’s niece, Maya Ganguly. Then a film produced by Christian Communication Centre on the archbishop’s life and works was shown.

Following the film, Mass was celebrated with His Eminence Patrick Cardinal D’Rozario, C.S.C., Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka, presiding. In his homily, Cardinal D’Rozario extolled the virtues of Archbishop Ganguly, including his generosity to the poor and the needy, his fatherly care of the sick, and his humility in exercising his pastoral leadership.

Read more about the life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly

After the Mass, all went in procession, as is the yearly custom, to the Servant of God’s grave, where Cardinal D’Rozario blessed the grave and prayed for his departed soul. After the blessing, Christian organizations and associations, including bishops, priests, sisters, and seminarians, paid their respects by placing wreaths and lighting candles.