Bishop of Baruipur Diocese Releases Book on the Life of Father Ante Gabric

Rev. Father Ante Gabric (1915-1988) was a Croatian Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to serving the people of Bengal. On February 28, 2025, Most Rev. Shyamal Bose, Bishop of Baruipur Diocese in West Bengal, released "Apostle of the Sundarbans," a book chronicling the extraordinary life of Fr. Ante Gabric. Authored by Jesuit Father Irudhaya Jothi, the book offers a poignant account of the priest’s life and mission.

Bishop Bose’s Personal Connection

Speaking to Catholic Connect News, Bishop Shyamal Bose reflected on his cherished memories of Fr. Ante Gabric.

“My earliest memory of Father Gabric is intertwined with my own faith journey,” Bishop Bose shared. “In 1961, he bestowed upon me the sacrament of baptism.” Bishop Shyamal Bose holds the unique distinction of being the only person baptised by Father Gabric to later become a bishop.

As a child, Bishop Bose frequently delivered letters from his father, a catechist, to Father Gabric. At the time, he did not realise that these small encounters were shaping his own priestly vocation. “Father Gabric’s life, marked by selfless service and unwavering faith, became the wellspring of my own calling,” he said.

Despite his simplicity, Father Gabric left a profound impression on all those whom he encountered. “He owned nothing. He tied his pants with a rope instead of a belt. He carried only a small bag—sometimes with chocolates for children,” Bishop Bose recalled with a smile.

Though he possessed little, people of all faiths sought him—not just for material aid but also for spiritual guidance. “His meals were so simple—it was evident that he deeply empathised with the poor and chose to live as they did,” Bishop Bose added.

A Jesuit’s Lasting Influence

Father Irudhaya Jothi, the author of “Apostle of the Sundarbans," spoke to Catholic Connect News and shared vivid memories of Father Gabric.

“During the Holy Week, in 1987, when I was a young Jesuit seminarian studying for the priesthood, I, along with a few fellow seminarians, went to Mariapalli village, where Fr. Gabric was posted,” Father Jothi recounted. One day during that week, Father Jothi and the seminarians were playing in a pond when the Angelus bell rang. However, they ignored the bell and continued to play in the water.

Suddenly, Father Gabric emerged from his room and shouted, ‘It is time for the Angelus prayer! All of you, keep silent.’ He then knelt down immediately and started praying the Angelus prayer. All of us seminarians, stunned by his devotion, joined Fr. Gabric in prayer," Father Jothi said. “Even today, in the Mariapalli village, people stop whatever they are doing when the Angelus bell rings and recite the Angelus prayer,” he added.

Empowering the Poor

Father Gabric’s mission extended beyond spiritual guidance; he was also a visionary in social welfare. One of his most notable achievements was collaborating with Mother Teresa to persuade the Bata Shoe Company to establish a small manufacturing unit in Mariapalli. “The factory provided employment to local villagers, enabling them to earn a livelihood,” Father Jothi said.

A Man of Faith and Conviction

Father Gabric held strong moral convictions. “He believed smoking and drinking were the work of the evil one,” Father Jothi recalled. “But he never forced anyone to change. He simply led by example.”

Father Gabric‘s health declined in later years due to certain defects in his lungs. He passed away in 1988 due to suspected food poisoning, but his legacy endures.

A Legacy That Lives On

Father Gabric’s tomb in Mariapalli village has become a pilgrimage site, with locals recounting stories of miraculous healings.

“I recently met a man who had been crippled by illness,” Father Jothi shared. “In desperation, he crawled to Father Gabric’s tomb, cleaned it with water from a nearby pond, and drank that water daily. Over time, he was completely healed.”

A Story That Must Be Told

The book “Apostle of the Sunderbans” is currently available in Kolkata, with plans to make it accessible to people across the world.

“There’s a lot of interest, especially from Croatians abroad,” Father Jothi told Connect News. “Even Bengali-speaking readers are eager for translations, and some have requested Tamil and Hindi versions as well.

Through this book, Father Jothi hopes to ensure that Father Gabric’s story continues to inspire generations.

“He was more than a missionary,” Father Jothi said. “He was a father, a guide, and a living example of Christ’s love. His story deserves to be told, and I feel blessed to have played a small role in sharing it with the world.”

By Steve Antao