Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "A great man, who supported those who fought for Bangladesh's freedom and was loved by Christians and non-Christians alike," said Promode Mankin, a Catholic and Bangladesh's state minister of Social Welfare, as he described Mgr T A Ganguly, who was archbishop of Dhaka in 1971 when the country gained independence.
On Tuesday, more than 1,000 Catholics gathered to honour T A Ganguly's memory by marking the 37th anniversary of his death.
Ordained a priest in 1946, he was the first Bangladeshi to become auxiliary bishop of Dhaka in 1960. From 6 July 1965 until his death from a heart attack on 2 September 1977, he served as the archbishop of Dhaka.
A Servant of God since 2006, Mgr T A Ganguly is now undergoing a process of canonisation.
">Many are hoping that his case would be settled soon, so that he can become the first Bengali saint.
"I am encouraged when I hear stories about Bishop Ganguly. For me, he is a guide to follow in life," said Rinku Biswas, a young Catholic. "Once, when I was sick, I prayed and I asked for his intercession. He responded and now I am healed."
To honour his memory, five days of special prayers were organised in Hasnabad, his home parish. Hundreds of people came to pray before the late prelate's statue, said the local parish priest, Fr Amol Cruze.
