Soroj Mullick SDB –
Krishnagar: The Diocese of Krishnagar and the Salesian Family came together to commemorate the birthday of the Venerable Fr. Francis Convertini, SDB, a missionary admired for his saintly life and deep pastoral zeal. The solemn Holy Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer, Krishnagar, where faithful, priests, religious, and lay devotees gathered to give thanks for his life and legacy.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Cathedral Rector along with diocesan clergy and Salesian confreres. In his homily, the celebrant highlighted the example of Fr. Convertini, who, inspired by Don Bosco, spent his life among the people of Bengal, especially in Krishnagar, living the Gospel through simplicity, prayer, and tireless service to the poor.
Following the Mass, the faithful moved in prayerful procession to the tomb of Fr. Francis Convertini, located inside the Cathedral premises. Devotional hymns, prayers and blessings were offered, and many laid flowers at his resting place, invoking his intercession for families, youth, and the local Church.
Born in Italy in 1898, Fr. Convertini came as a missionary to India and dedicated more than 50 years of his life to evangelization, catechesis, and pastoral care in Bengal. Pope Francis declared him Venerable in 2019, recognizing his heroic virtues.
The celebration in Krishnagar once again affirmed the love and reverence the people hold for this humble missionary. The faithful continue to pray for his beatification and canonization, that his witness of holiness may inspire generations of Christians and young people