Thousands of people have gathered in northwestern Bangladesh to remember the life and dedicated service of Italian missioner Father Angelo Maggoni who died 38 years ago.

About 7,000 people, mostly indigenous Catholics, commemorated his death anniversary at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rajshahi district on Aug. 14.

Mass, confession, meditation and a football tournament were organized to mark the anniversary.

The 55-year-old priest, from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) was gunned down by burglars in the aftermath of the 1971 struggle for independence.

He had tried to stop them robbing the church on Aug. 14, 1972.

Father Maggoni, who first arrived in the country in 1948, is still held in high regard for his services to the poor and needy in the area.

“He was a very kind, amiable and lively priest. Irrespective of creed or caste, poor and needy people were his children and they always got help when it was needed,” said Father William Murmu, the current parish priest.

“He was one of the pioneers of the Christian Organization for Relief and Rehabilitation which is now the Church’s social arm Caritas Bangladesh” he said.

The late priest’s efforts also gave birth to parishes in Mundumala, Dingaduba, Mohiprara and Sursunipra, Father Murmu added.

“I can’t forget how he loved people and people loved him. He managed treatment for sick people and emphasized education for kids,” Sister of Charity Constantina Roy, 65, told ucanews.com.

Many still remember how he tried to stop the Pakistan army from killing local Muslims during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.

He told the soldiers that “these are my men and if you want to kill them, kill me first,” recalled Abdul Sattar. “I’ll never forget his good deeds for the people until my death. I’m still alive because of this great person.”

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