In The Making of Mumbai, Monsignor Benny Aguiar tells the story of Mumbai the way no one else has ever told it before! For Catholics especially, the history of this great metropolis, spanning several centuries and fascinating in its every detail, is of special importance, given the vital role played by the Portuguese missionaries in its making. The periods of decline and revival in its history have had great impact on the decline and revival of the Catholics themselves!
Dwelling on the contents of the book for the benefit of the audience, Marina Pinto, noted historian and a close friend of the Aguiar family, brilliantly explained the events that shaped Mumbai in both chronological and topical order as recorded by Monsgnor Benny, ably whetting the appetite of the audience for the book!
Father [Dr] George Kaitholil, former Editor of ST PAULS, in his felicitation speech said rather shockingly: “I do not think this book is good, nor do I recommend this book. But I think this book is excellent and I demand that everyone owns a personal copy of the book!”
Replying to the felicitations, Monsignor Benny said that he felt The Making of Mumbai was his masterpiece topping his long career as pastor, editor, writer, organizer and leader. “It is the fruit of several years of research and study,” said the author who edited Bombay’s Archdiocesan weekly, The Examiner, for 34 eventful years. Obviously enthused by the response and reactions from the audience, Monsignor Benny gladly gave of his time to autograph the copies of the book sold after the conclusion of the function.
Father Michael Raj, Provincial Superior of the Society of Saint Paul welcomed the gathering at the book launch organized by ST PAULS/Better Yourself Books, Mumbai in collaboration with the Aguiar family. He thanked both the Cardinal and the author for their closeness to the Paulines and their support to the Apostolate of the Media of Social Communication.
Justice Aloysius Aguiar (Retd), younger brother of Monsignor Benny, expressed his gratitude to God Almighty for his illustrious writer brother. He also thanked His Eminence for his availability and ST PAULS for the elegant production of the book as also for the slick organizing of the evening’s proceedings.
