Late Holy Cross archbishop T.A. Ganguly of Dhaka was a role model for all in Bangladesh’s society, especially for youths and non-Christians, a remembrance service has been told.

Hundreds were united in praise for the late prelate at the special ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sept. 2, marking his 33rd death anniversary.

Many said they attended the service to honor the first Bengali to enter the process of canonization.

Archbishop Ganguly was declared “Servant of God” in 2006.

The local Church is now working to elevate him to “Venerable” status, the second step toward beatification.

Archbishop Paulinus Costa of Dhaka offered a special Mass and many wreaths were placed on Ganguly’s grave in the cathedral churchyard.

Archbishop Costa earlier unveiled a statue of his predecessor in Hashnabad, Ganguly’s home parish before launching an audio cassette and CD with songs dedicated to him.

Ganguly was a role model for everyone because of the examples he set and his modesty, many of the attendees said.

“He was a living saint. The way he lived his life and helped others was so inspiring,” said Shamsul Haque, a Muslim and former member of the management committee of Church-run St. Gregory’s High School in Dhaka.

“I always found him to be very generous and benevolent. He was never rude and was very humble,” said former seminarian Jyoti Gomes, 55.

Many youths said the late archbishop is still a source of inspiration.

“He is revered by a new generation. I hope he will be declared a saint soon,” said Uttom J. Cruze, 25, president of Dhaka Christian Chattra Kallyan Sangha, which Ganguly founded.

T.A. Ganguly was ordained a priest in 1946 and became the first Bengali auxiliary bishop of Dhaka in 1960. He served as Archbishop of Dhaka from July 6, 1965 until his death from a heart attack on Sept. 2, 1977.

Source: ucanews.com

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