After serving for many years as a pathologist in Bangladeshi hospitals, Sister Mary Emily talks about her ministry in the seminary library where she helps young people grow in wisdom.

 

 

Sister Mary Emily is now a fixture at Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Dhaka.

 

After 18 years of devoted and passionate work as a hospital pathologist, she is now in charge of the school’s well-stocked library.

 

Among the shelves full of books, the thin, smiling and self-confident 72-year-old joyfully remembers her service.

 

“I have helped and still help hundreds of seminarians, aspiring priests, novices who later became priests and nuns,” she said speaking to AsiaNews.

 

“Some of them have become bishops and are now making a significant contribution to the development of the Church in Bangladesh. This makes me happy,” she noted.

 

She feels she has a special relationship with books and publications in the library.

 

“I love books very much. if I see one torn or damaged, I feel sad and immediately send them for repair. Books are like close relatives you get attached to.”

 

The seminary’s library holds 41,893 books on history, spirituality, literature, travel, science, sports, medicine, plus numerous newspapers and magazines.

 

“Future priests, bishops and women religious can get a lot out of the library. In my small way, I try to help them.”

 

She herself recognises the precious help provided by previous generations to the library.

 

“When I see that my old students hold important positions in the Church and the country, or when I see them doing good works for others, I always think that part of their wisdom and knowledge comes from this place. It is a feeling that makes me very happy.”

 

Sujon Palma, a Bangladeshi seminarian, admires Sister Mary Emily and is grateful to her.

 

“She is a formidable and very helpful librarian,” he told AsiaNews. “When I visit the library, I am always drawn by her smile and kindness.”

 

Founded in 1974, the Holy Spirit Major Seminary is Bangladesh’s only national seminary with some 150 students.

 

It is run by the Episcopal Commission for Seminary, which deals with the academic, intellectual and spiritual education of future priests.