Monsignor Benedict Aguiar — popularly known as Fr Benny — and who was best known in Mumbai’s church circles for being the former Editor of The Examiner Catholic Newsweekly for over three decades (1961-1994), passed away on August 26. He was 95.
One of its ablest editors who helmed The Examiner for three decades — he left an enduring impression on the magazine and its readers, with his fiercely independent style. Under his guidance, The Examiner became one of the most well-known and widely-read Catholic periodicals in India. “His writings reflected an insightful mind on theological matters and ecclesiastical developments in the Church, but he was best known for his honest and critical editorials on political developments in India. His courage to speak the truth brought consequences at times, but Fr Benny’s journalistic integrity was rock-solid. In fact, his reputation propelled him to the national stage — he was President of the ICPA [Indian Catholic Press Association, 1969-78],” recalls Fr Joshan Rodrigues, managing editor, The Examiner. He had also authored Rajiv Gandhi — The Fight of the Scion; Indira Gandhi — A Political Biography and The Making of Mumbai, which focuses on the development of the Catholic community in the metropolis. In his eulogy at the funeral service, Advocate Aloysius Aguiar, retired Justice of the Bombay High Court and Fr Benny’s younger brother, said, “Fr Benny was a staunch and courageous soldier of Christ, and with the power of the pen, battled for justice and truth. As a priest-journalist, he preached the values of conviction and courage through the columns of the Examiner.” https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-diary-saturday-dossier-23189785 Thanks to Praba Mahajan for sharing the link -- _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ FN * फ्रेड्रिक नोरोन्या * فريدريك نورونيا +91-9822122436 _/ See a different Goa here, via _/ https://youtube.com/c/frederickfnnoronha _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ ᐧ
