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WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT OUR FOUNDER - 1

Our Founder touched the lives of many around him, and for all these he holds a place of singular importance. Read what people who knew and interacted with Father Bishop have to say about our founder.

What others say about Bishop Morrow...

RECOLLECTIONS on the Life of Bishop Morrow
by Rev. Fr. Louis Gobetti, sdb

The Most Reverend Louis L.R. Morrow, later called by the simple, affectionate name of Father Bishop, has always loved his Diocese of Krishnagar, though small, poor and difficult. Coming as he did from America, Mexico and the Philippines, this land of Bengal and its people were entirely new to him. But it can truly be said that he brought his whole heart to Krishnagar! The people of Krishnagar and other parts of Bengal immediately understood his love and his concern for them. They pronounce his name and recall his words and presence with affectionate admiration.

When Father Bishop was appointed Bishop of Krishnagar he did not know the location, the condition of the people and the clergy at his disposal. On information he soon found that the mission was extremely poor. Language and culture would be new to him. Nobody believed at the time of his appointment that he would be able to master enough Bengali to fulfil his main pastoral duties to the Catholics, and civic duties as a municipal counsellor, or preside over school functions, food committees, peace meetings, or take a place in the town-club or sports organizations. Yet he, at the age of 47, started loving this poorest Diocese in India and planning ways and means to uplift its people.

Pastor par excellence
It was suggested that he would better administer the Diocese from his office and keep busy collecting funds leaving to other Fathers the pastoral work. But his heart was with his people and he soon visited the villages, set down to study Bengali, made plans for schools and boardings, brought children to school from villages on his jeep sometimes by force. Every child had to receive education and training for life. The institutions at Krishnagar and later in the parishes were topmost in his mind and cares.

He turned upwards the whole picture of Krishnagar Diocese. To achieve his pastoral activity in all possible ways he studied the Bengali language, starting from the expression, “I love you” - Ami tomadigoke bhalobasi - that he repeated hundreds of times with great ease and a big smile. And his hand went up instinctively to bless everybody. People loved his Bengali, and appreciated his efforts. He sought help to prepare and print parts of the Eucharistic and Sacramental prayers and rites in Roman Script. He had his talks and sermons translated and prepared carefully in the Bengali language.

Father Bishop became one heart and soul with his people. To make his pastoral approach more effective and alive, he founded the Institute of the Sisters of Mary immaculate, who would stay days and weeks in villages and do pastoral work and other activities in the service of the Church. He wanted many of them with degrees of doctors and nurses in order to help the poor. He established hospitals, dispensaries and welfare homes. These reveal their Father Bishop’s pastoral mind. His catechetical and liturgical publications, so numerous and so outstanding, are the fruit of an apostolic soul.

Galloping development of the diocese
Krishnagar was one of the poorest Catholic dioceses in India. But now it has a beautiful Cathedral, a large compound all around, which he acquired piece by piece by shifting at least 24 families to new premises, with infinite patience. A large prefabricated hall was brought all the way from America in 92 coils. At the Customs Office he described himself as the “maharaj” of thousands of children and got all the sympathy required to release the goods “free”. He provided the Mission with vehicles and transports, electric organs for church and theatre hall, instruments and machines of all kinds, for his “poor” diocese and schools. Bishop Morrow is also admired for his organizing ability. From his arrival in the diocese he saw that everything be set up in an organized and orderly manner: registers, statistics, functions, administration of sacrament had to be not less than perfect. In every parish and village all registers, statistics, church services, etc. had to be in order. Canon Law and liturgical rules had to be strictly followed. Lands and properties of the Church should be properly looked after.

Reverend Father Louis Gobetti, sdb
Father Gobetti assisted our Founder as Vicar General and Secretary from 1948 to 1969 with much constancy and altruism that he spoke of him as “alter ego” - my other self. He was born on 8 January 1921 in Italy. He spent five years of his priestly formation in the concentration camp at Dehra Dun. He was ordained in 1945, and assigned to Don Bosco, Krishnagar as Catechist and also as the Master of Ceremonies at the Cathedral till May 1948. Thereafter till 1969 he assisted our Founder devotedly in the administration of the diocese, and also in the formation of our members from the very beginning of our congregation. Referring to Fr. Gobetti, our Founder writes to us in his Memoirs: “Very Rev. Fr. Louis Gobetti, our Vicar General, very kindly sent his testimonial letter [for the papal right of the SMI]. Because I was in Detroit [revising Our Catholic Faith with the changes made in Vatican II], he helped you to prepare the documents required to petition for the Decretum Laudis. Always during my absence, Father took my place in providing for your needs, preaching your retreats, and assisting you in every possible way”.

BISHOP MORROW A Man Who Lived for Catechesis
by Very Rev. Fr. Luciano Colussi, sdb - (1998)

When we say that Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow is a great catechist we may understand that he had a great power to teach catechism or that he could deliver inspiring catechetical talks or sermons. We may say that he wrote wonderful books on catechetical topics or even attuned his life to certain activities that were meant to make people know their religious truths. Yes, it could mean some parts of that or the whole of that.

Bishop Morrow was all that and much more. He was a person who tried to bring the Gospel message to the people of today. He tried to bring Christ himself – He was Christ’s own full message – to all the men and women of the present generations. In the words of Pope John Paul II, “Catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Blessed Trinity” (Apostolic Exhortation, Catechesi Tradendae, 1979, no. 5).

Bishop Morrow had tried to achieve this even before the Pope wrote those words. It is this that we are trying to say about Bishop Louis L.R. Morrow while relating his manifold activities in the field of catechesis.

Chosen Vessel
Let us now briefly see how Bishop Morrow manifested his catechetical charism in his life and activities. God chose him for this ministry of catechesis in his Church. As a boy, he would often speak of the compelling example of St. Dominic Savio to his companions during his school days; especially during the years he was a Salesian aspirant. He took Dominic Savio as an inspiration in his apostolate among the young: to lead them to Jesus and Mary, and to do good. As a young Salesian, especially in his years of regency (practical training or apostolic experience), he often spoke enthusiastically of the work he was doing for the boys entrusted to him in the school and oratory at Puebla, Mexico, and of the different means he made use of, for entertainment, as instrumental music, quizzes, dramas and games in order to educate them in the Catholic faith.

Passion for Catholic Faith
As a young priest in Mexico his sphere of apostolate expanded to parishes and institutions beyond the institution in which he lived. The first idea of writing catechism books, and other moral, religious, educational and recreational literature, was born at this time, and he did write such literature for the use of the young, so much so that when his religious superior Mons. William Piani was appointed Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines, he chose Fr. Morrow (and asked the Major Superiors for him) to follow him as secretary to the Philippines. The choice is more striking when we think that at the time there were no Salesians in the Philippines. His ability for secretarial work, his enthusiasm for apostolic initiatives and naturally his exemplary behaviour were the reasons for the choice. To these reasons we must add the catechetical mind and capabilities of Fr. Morrow with which he landed up in the Philippines. There, one of the major events that showed the organizing power and catechetical initiatives of Fr. Morrow was the International Eucharistic Congress of Manila in 1937. This placed Fr. Morrow in the limelight of the local and universal Church. '

From the Philippines to Krishnagar
Bishop Louis L.R. Morrow displayed his best catechetical talents since 1939 when he became Bishop of Krishnagar up to his death in 1987 at the age of 94. His pastoral concern for people made him choose certain lines of action that would uplift them as “good Christians and honest citizens”. Here are a few points of his strategies:

Educational policy
His first and foremost endeavour was to have all the children attend school, and as many as possible to live in the boarding, which he had opened or improved in Krishnagar or elsewhere. With the schooling that they will have, it was imperative that they learn and live their Christian religion. In his enthusiasm he wanted that every boy and girl should complete at least the course given in the two junior schools of Krishnagar (the primary section) so that they could learn their catechism well. I was present on several occasions when, he would entice, induce or even compel the children and their parents to send the children to the boarding schools. Often he himself would bring them in his own vehicle to the boarding when he returned to Krishnagar. On one occasion I saw him taking a child from the village of Fulbari, pleading with the mother who was weeping because the child was too young to be sent to the boarding school. At the end Bishop Morrow said sternly: “Allow me to take your child. One day you will certainly bless me for it.” In fact, that mother blessed the Bishop when she saw her child graduate and become an appreciated leader. It was between the years 1960-70, through Bishop Morrow’s insistence, that Krishnagar diocese had reached the highest percentage of Catholic children being educated in schools. It reached almost 100%, and all these children were catechized in the Catholic faith.

Care for the Village Catechists
When Bishop Morrow came to Krishnagar, there were the traditional village catechists. They are indispensable for religious instruction in the villages where there was no priest, or where the priest needed someone for some particular work, especially for introducing Christianity into new villages. The love of Bishop Morrow for these catechists was so great that he improved their living conditions, gave them better houses, better payments, and above all better training for their all important work as catechists. Their training consisted in giving them the yearly course and spiritual retreat at the diocesan centre. They were supplied with proper materials (books, charts and other audio-visual aids) for the catechesis of children and adults. I can testify to the meticulous programme of catechesis and Sunday homilies that were prepared by his instruction to facilitate these catechists the work that was dearest to Bishop Morrow – the catechesis of children and adults. It has been an unrealized dream of Bishop Morrow to have both the catechist and his wife engaged in the work of catechesis. (In some villages it had been achieved). The women as catechists, he thought, would do far better with the womenfolk in the villages.

Bishop Morrow - Example, Inspiration, Protection
Considering all his taxing activities and traits prompted by zeal and love that suddenly would appear as a surprise, we may describe Bishop Morrow as a person giving himself to all with eagerness and pastoral endeavour. Three descriptive words may be applied to his person: Example, Inspiration, and Fatherly Protection. In all his pastoral achievements and activities Bishop Morrow never stopped to boast or show pride in any way. Behind the production of all his literature there was no pride, no boasting, no self credit, only presenting the faith was his aim. He could be well identified as the careful and wise pastor of souls.

The Person
We can judge him if we consider his upbringing, his character taken perhaps from his parents, country of origin. He had a warm heart, a latin temper, loving to persons. He protected his new religious family in all ways that it would deem objectionable: all men are projected by nature in many of their actions. He was a man full of expression using his heart and mind. But he would not take revenge, and in some cases well known to us, he was happy to adjust what has gone wrong. Some methods of acting were as much objectionable in others offending him and adverse interpretations would be shared.

He was a man with a smile inspiring confidence, reliance in God fulfilling a mission for the Church for God’s Kingdom. Look at the miracle of Krishnagar Diocese!

What I most admired in him was his love for the Church and for anything connected with it. Liturgy, religious instruction, mission works, the Vatican Council II, trials and joys in the Church were uppermost in his mind and heart.

From his behaviour, especially in difficult moments of his life, transpired a strong and deep Faith. He had to give up two thirds of the territory and population of the diocese. Practically all the parishes except the Cathedral fell in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh); he had to resign as Bishop of Krishnagar, having reached the age limit, when he was still strong and most ardently would have liked to remain with his beloved people and spend himself for them. In these and other important events of his life he showed a stout heart and deep faith. I myself heard him pronounce words of resignation and readiness to follow whatever Providence would finally dispose and want from him.

He was a Bishop and a Father who enjoyed loving people, to be among children, to take part at celebrations with dance and songs. He never lost the youthful spirit of one who grew up in Don Bosco’s Oratories in Mexico, and even when he was a secretary at the Delegation of the Holy See in Manila, he gathered children around himself thus showing a “Salesian passion” for the young.

Very Rev. Fr. Peter Ricaldone, Vicar of the Salesian Society, during his extraordinary visitation in the year 1929 noticed the activities of this young Priest, came to know about his catechetical publications, the part he took in the International Eucharistic Congress of Manila. When he became Rector Major he promptly suggested the name of Fr. Louis L.R. Morrow to be the Bishop of Krishnagar.

There is a “spirit” which inspires a person into action. We may say that through the events of his life Father Bishop possessed a “great spirit”. This is why thousands of people admired and loved him, eagerly knelt at his feet for his blessing.

I like to recall the filial love that Father Bishop had for Our Lady and for his own mother. He used to tell us how his mother was received in the Catholic

Church on the feast of the Holy Name of Our Lady, which in those days was celebrated on the 10th of the month of September. He was happy, as her son, to be beside her on that occasion. That day his mother prayed for him to become a priest.

As I recall my 22 years at his side, I feel like thanking God for the great opportunity given me to be a helping hand in Father Bishop’s many works. The growth and establishment of the diocese was a source of constant joy, even if at times there were trials and anxieties. It has been a privilege for me to have lived close to him during the best years of his life as Bishop of the Diocese of Krishnagar.

Fr. Gobetti assisting Bp. Morrow
Very Rev. Fr. Luciano Colussi, sdb
Father Luciano, author of the following article, is currently (2010) the Vicar General of the Diocese of Krishnagar. He was the former Director of Nitika-Don Bosco, Calcutta, Founder-editor of Catechetics India, and Administrator of the Diocese of Krishnagar. His article sheds ample light on our Founder’s Catechetical charism. He was privileged to be ordained priest by Bishop Morrow on 7 December 1950, and had very close association with him for many years, serving as the diocesan Director of Liturgy and Catechesis, besides being the parish priest of the Cathedral parish. He takes pride in claiming that ‘If ever there was one who inherited Bishop Morrow’s catechetical mantle’, it is he himself. Over the years Father has helped us, Sisters of Mary Immaculate, in grasping better the mind of our Founder, particularly in the area of catechesis, through his homilies, writings, as well as courses and retreats conducted for us on different occasions, such as, retreats, superiors’ meetings, general chapters and to the formation groups.

The explanatory boards in English and vernacular beside each religious item in the church is the best proof of Bishop Morrow’s gift for clarity. Even the electronic organ used for the sacred liturgy was not merely to accompany the singing during the sacred functions, but in his desire to inspire, it was supposed to be played even other times, especially when people were coming to visit the Church, as a means to preach the love, beauty and goodness of God. This could have been Bishop Morrow’s reason for bringing the best electronic organ of the time and having the best electronic sound equipment for his Cathedral.

Altar of Adoration
Of particular interest is the altar of adoration in the Shrine chapel, which is so rich in ornamentation and symbolism. This too has a catechetical value according to him to catechize and evangelize people by its beauty and significant structure. The unparalleled bell-tower and the uniquely chiming bells were also meant to point up to heaven and call all categories of persons to the knowledge and love of God and his Son, Jesus Christ. The beautiful set up of his Cathedral introduces us to what is perhaps the most important factor of Bishop Morrow’s charismatic approach to catechesis.

Homilies and Talks
In my opinion some of the best proofs of Bishop Morrow’s catechetical charism are his homilies and talks, which he always wrote down, whether in English or in Bengali, the local vernacular. The characteristic points of his catechesis were: one-thought-only, and it must be simple. The teaching was on basic topics of Christian dogma and life. He would make sure that the subject is clearly understood. His homilies were delivered slowly and were almost proclaimed. He would take special care, when he had to deliver his talk in Bengali. He would have his sermon translated well in advance. He would have it written in Roman script. He would read it to the translator that he could have his pronunciation corrected, if necessary. He wanted to make sure that his hearers understood him well. A proper collection and arrangement of his homilies and talks to the people would, I believe, form a good catechesis even today. At the beginning of his ministry as Bishop, together with some of his priests, he even initiated a course of catechetical sessions on Sunday evenings in the Cathedral for adults. It was done in a dialogue form. The priest would ask him some points of the catechism and he would reply from his written text. This was done to make the catechesis more appealing. Generally it would be on very practical points of Christian life today.

The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist would deserve a special mention in the understanding of Bishop Morrow’s catechetical charism. I limit myself to a few points, which are more apparently catechetical. Besides the centrality of the Holy Eucharist in Bishop Morrow’s personal life, he had a special charism when speaking of the Holy Mass, Holy Communion and the adoration of the Holy Eucharist. The best way to illustrate his teaching on the topic was his own personal, visible, deep devotion in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It would not fail to impress anybody who participated in his celebration of the Holy Mass. Even more than his adherence to the liturgy, which was impeccable, he manifested a deep faith and love for the word of Jesus in the Liturgy of the Word, and even more in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Never would he by-pass the possibility of a short homily and sometimes certain short comments on different parts of the Mass. He insisted that decorum and solemnity should always accompany the liturgy of the Mass, Communion and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. They speak not only of his love for Jesus in the Eucharist, but also of his desire to make him loved more.

Audio-visuals in Catechetical Pedagogy
In the field of Audio-visuals at the service of the Word, Bishop Morrow has been a pioneer in the full meaning of the word. Not only did he show us all the tremendous possibilities of audio-visuals in the pedagogy of catechesis, but he also showed a creative ability to transform into practice what he believed so important. He taught this first of all by making use of audio-visual forms in his books. In the books he wrote for children, and in those he wrote for adults, he has manifested wonderful skill and appropriate gradation in the audio-visual language. He also edited catechetical posters and charts, separately, especially for the young. Bishop Morrow has also shown the efficacy of audio-visuals for evangelization and catechesis in the selection and projection of short as well as feature films. He made use of these films as far back as in years when there were only Black and White silent projections. He himself purchased the best available films on Christ and on the Saints, as well as on historical events of the Church. At the centre of the diocese he had a vast theatre-hall built for the purpose of accommodating many children and people to attend the shows free of cost. He thought also of the villages, to which whenever possible he would send experienced priests and projectionists who would explain the films in the local language to people. The catechetical insights of the Bishop were clearly manifested in the proper selection of the audio-visuals as well as projecting the films periodically to the best advantage of the people. As early as the first years of his episcopate in Krishnagar, he attempted to have the production of sound records when tape records had not yet been invented. For this he built a recording studio, with the aim of having singers and composers who would produce these records.

Outstanding Catechetical Producer
Bishop Morrow was, and still is, best known the world over as the writer of catechetical books and materials. We can divide his Catechetical Publications in three sections:

1. Catechetical books
2. Popular Prayer Books with catechetical insight
3. School Readers with a catechetical purpose.
(See a comprehensive list of Bishop Morrow’s publications under “Biography of the Founder”).

Well-planned and thoroughly Catechetical
It would be interesting now to examine how these books – at least the catechetical ones – are well-planned and really catechetical. But even a partial study would take us too far. So it is good enough that we try to point out some general characteristics of Bishop Morrow’s main catechetical publications:

1. Bishop Morrow places the books into series, that is, we have his catechetical books so prepared that they go from infancy into adult teaching in a gradual way. The teaching of God’s truths is so disposed that they are appropriately unfolded according to the age development of the individuals. This may seem so plain for us nowadays; it was not so when Bishop Morrow started his serial way of composing books, when often a catechism book was used for all classes of children. (In some places this is still advocated!)
2. Bishop Morrow’s books are divided into cycles, that is, two or more books develop a complete set of teachings for that age group. This method is now followed by most authors of catechetical publications, but often is not understood even now by key persons who should advocate it. These people would like that each catechism should contain everything that has been taught by the Church (sic.). Impossible!
3. In all Bishop Morrow’s books we find appropriate visual representations in every chapter. This was something unique at the time he published those books, several decades ago. Even now these visual representations are cherished by small and great.
4. In his catechetical books Bishop Morrow makes great use of the word of God as found in the Bible. It is natural, for after all, catechesis is just the word of God as applied to the life of today’s people.
5. Questions and answers have appropriately been selected in each lesson so that some memorization may be suggested or even asked from the catechized, especially if these are children. Naturally these answers are the gist of what has been explained.
6. The very layout of the books of Bishop Morrow merits our attention: sometimes different fonts, different colours, different punctuation is used to make things clearer. All that has been said above, points out to the loving interest that Bishop Morrow had for catechizing, that is, for bringing the Word of God, Christ himself to everybody who cared to know and love him. This is in fact what we would like to say of a man who lived for catechesis – a great CATECHIST.

Founder of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate
But there is still a very important feature to be stressed in Bishop Morrow as an ardent apostle of catechesis. A person with a vision would like to realize this vision by all means: if he can do it by himself he will certainly try to do it, but if he perceives that the work is immense or that it will be beyond his life’s span, he will surely look for other people who will in some way inherit his passion, his vision. This is exactly what Bishop Morrow did. Throughout his life he had tried to associate as many people as he could in his work of catechizing, of bringing Christ to everybody. It would be long for me to mention names of people whose help he sought for his work. But one wonderful inspiration I must point out at this moment. When he thought that his work of catechesis had to continue through his life and even when he would be no more with us, he planned to have a group of followers who would take up his challenge and vision and realize his dream of bringing people to Jesus Christ through catechesis. For this, inspired by God, he founded a Religious Congregation whose only mission is to bring Christ to all, that is, to catechize: “The Catechist Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians,” commonly, but meaningfully known as “Bishop Morrow’s Sisters of Mary Immaculate”.

The Building of Churches
Bishop Morrow was a well-planned builder of churches and chapels in his diocese. He wanted them simple and functional, but dignified and well furnished. What was most evident is that, they had to be `catechetical’, that means, the churches and chapels, the statues and pictures, as well as the altar, the confessional and other items were supposed to teach the faithful truths of the Christian religion. The best example of this is the Cathedral of Krishnagar, which offers a unique and impressive vision of the mysteries of Christianity. The crucifix, the statues and the sacred pictures, but above all the altar, in particular the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, the baptistery, the confessionals – all were meant to catechize the Christians and evangelize the non-Christians.
Fr. Luchiano with
Bp. Morrow at a village.

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Mullick
Advocate and Chairman of Krishnagar Municipality for over 30 years, worked hand in hand with our Founder for the people of Krishnagar especially during the Great Famine of Bengal, Partition of India and Pakistan, influx of refugees and the like. They were one in heart and mind in their endeavours for the welfare of the city. He was like a real brother to our Founder and his confreres, helping and advising them in their difficulties. It was with a feeling of true fraternal love and esteem that our Founder visited him at his home during his final illness, and soon after to view his remains when he departed from this life. They had been through many civic causes and more than one crisis together -- along with other dearly loved friends in the town.

In his talk of 1942 Mr. Mullick said, “The present Bishop, Most Rev. Louis L.R. Morrow is taking great interest for the improvement of the mission. He has converted the old workshop into a beautiful Hall with permanent stage for play and cinema. The hall is known as the Cathedral Hall. His Excellency is keen on improving the poorer section of the community. The present beautiful Church with its silvery dome and the tall clock tower are the reward of His Excellency’s untiring efforts. The spacious school dormitories, the Sisters’ quarters, Juvenile school building for boys and girls are also built by him. He has converted the old mission locality which was on the verge of destruction into a magnificent area.”

Mr. Nandalal Bhattacharji
A past President of the Pleaders’ Bar Association, Krishnagar was a dearest friend and most helpful benefactor to our Founder, especially in legal matters. Their love and esteem for each other were most sincere. During one of his last visits, with a beaming smile Nanda Babu expressed his love, gratitude and high esteem for our Founder saying: “Bishop, when we know that you are in our city, even if we don’t meet you, we feel a kind of assurance that we are safe through God’s protection.

The Most Rev. Bishop Louis L.R. Morrow Former Bishop of Krishnagar, as I know him
Mr. Nandalal Bhattacharji

“Bishop Morrow” is a name familiar and dear to all residents of Krishnagar - irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The improvement, extension and beautification of the Cathedral, construction of buildings, schools and institutions at different places are all due to the untiring efforts of Bishop Morrow. The Roman Catholic Church has attained its present status of grandeur and glory in this area because of his ideas and initiative, and has been functioning for the development and betterment of the conditions of the people.

Bishop Morrow came to Krishnagar in 1939 as the fourth bishop, the seventh administrator of the diocese. As a great organizer and a man of unfailing energy and activities, he attracted the notice of all and particularly the United States of America. Texas being the land of his birth he came to be known as “The Texas Bishop of Krishnagar.”

Professor Dayamay Mukherji
Retired Professor and head of Dept. of Sanskrit Chandannagar College, Govt. of West Bengal.

The Salt of the Earth It is said in the Bhagavat Puran that images of deities and places of pilgrimage can purify a devotee but only after the lapse of some time. A holy man, however, exercises his purifying influence by his very sight.

How sanctifying must the presence of His Excellency Bishop Morrow in our midst, hundreds of miles away from his home, spreading the gospel of love and light when nations are competing with each other in inventing weapons for the annihilation of humankind.

Bishop Morrow, like all other holy men, has his share of austerity and love; but he has combined these happily in his life with remarkable dynamism and initiative. The Roman Catholic Church in Krishnagar, which we look upon as our Alma Mater - along with its huge establishments - this is his achievement. People of Krishnagar remember with gratitude his relief activities during the dark days of famine and food crisis. My maternal uncle Sudhir Chandra Mullick was the chairman of the Krishnagar Municipality. These two were on very intimate terms with each other...

My deepest regards to the bishop and his associates. May he live long in health and good cheer!


During the Bengal famine of 1943 - which caused havoc - Bishop Morrow came forward with his usual zeal and earnestness. He organized kitchen for supplying cooked food in collaboration with the local people. Bishop Morrow’s efforts in alerting the Central Government and securing help and supplies from all sources are well known.

Although an American citizen, Bishop Morrow, at the insistence of voters, had to stand in the municipal election, and was returned as a Commissioner of Krishnagar Municipality, securing 82% of the votes - showing clearly his great popularity. He was a jail visitor for a good many years and did much for ameliorating the conditions of the undertrials and convicts.

His charity to the poor and destitute knew no bounds. The local stadium owes a debt of gratitude to him for securing a generous donation from His Holiness the Pope. Bishop Morrow made handsome contributions to the Children’s Park, Ram Krishna Pathagar, and other institutions. As a true Christian having an intense love for God, he loved everybody he came in contact with and was loved and respected by all.

Bishop Morrow is all sweet - sweet in appearance, sweet in manners, sweet in speech and sweet in every way.


1. It happened in Mexico City during my brother’s visit to Mexico shortly after he was made Bishop. Friends of his invited him to lunch and me too through courtesy to him, for they were not known to me. These folks lived in a mansion. The guests were numerous: men, women and children. As the lunch was practically over, some of the children came near our table, which was extra large and covered with a beautiful and immaculate hand-made tablecloth.

They eagerly approached brother with a request that he sign the reverse of a little sacred picture which he had handed to them previously. Brother took out one of his pens and started to sign the first picture, but the ink refused to flow as it does in fountain pens at times. So he indifferently, lightly shook the pen over and above the tablecloth and immediately the pen poured ink, leaving a sizable spot on the cloth. Brother quickly expressed his regret and embarrassment over such an accident. The hostess at once graciously covered the spot with a lovely white table-napkin. I was speechless through my own embarrassment among perfect strangers to me.

When everything was over, brother removed the table-napkin which had hidden the ink, but the spot made by it had disappeared to the astonishment of both adults and children. All laughed to their heart’s content, after which the sacred pictures were signed by brother, but with a different pen, of course!”

2. On one of brother’s visits to the United States, I went to the airport at San Francisco, California to meet him. His black suit was neat as always, but I noticed a short strand of white thread on his lapel. I said, “Let me take this thread off, Louis.” He agreed, but as I started pulling, the short strand became not one yard but various yards of thread, to his mischievous satisfaction and merriment! Who could help but love him...

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Margarita M. L.R. de Vizcarrondo
The only sister of Bishop Morrow. She was born on 22 August 1900 in Mexico City, Mexico. She loved her brother Louis so very dearly and visited him each time he was in the U.S, and also in Krishnagar, India, especially in 1984, during his last years. She passed away on 5 December 2002 in Leechburg, Pennsylvania. She narrated the following interesting anecdotes on her brother’s sense of humour.
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