Fr. Luciano Collusi SDB was a devoted Salesian missionary
and an esteemed expert in religious education who made significant
contributions to the Bengali Christian community. Born on 3 January
1924 in Italy and having passed
away on 11 October 2010, after having celebrated his diamond jubilee of
his ordination on 2 October, 2010, he left a lasting legacy through his work
in spiritual formation, education, and social welfare. Fr Luciano belonged
to an agrarian family with six professed religious in the Salesian Family. He
was privileged to be ordained priest by Bishop L. R. 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 took pride in claiming that ‘If ever there was one who
inherited Bishop Morrow’s catechetical mantle’, it is he himself.
He
served extensively in India, in the Salesian Province of Kolkata, notably in
the Krishnagar Diocese where he was appointed the Vicar General and later on
2nd June 2000 Fr. Luciano Colussi was elected Administrator of the
Diocese. From 2000 to 2002, he served as the Administrator of the
Krishnagar Diocese, where he provided skilled and well-organized administrative
leadership. He very efficiently looked after the diocese for two years. As the
Vicar General, he involved in administration and providing pastoral leadership
during the absence of the bishop, including preaching retreats and assisting
the faithful. He contributed significantly to educating Catholics in the faith
and was active in social and missionary works. He took keen interest in
evangelization of the people for which he organized one-week courses for
catechists every month. In his tenure we find the flourishment of all the
commissions and associations, such as 'Christo Parishad', SCC, Family
Commission, Liturgical Commission, and so on. On 24th May 2001, the feast of
Mary Help of Christians, the Salesians officially handed over the Bishop's
House to the Diocesan Clergy. Until this day, Salesian community used to reside
in Bishop's House.
He regularly organized monthly catechetical training
courses, helping religious educators deepen their connection with human
society, ensuring that religious education transcended theoretical teaching to
embody ethics and humanity in daily life. His stewardship extended from the
Catechetical Commission to the Family and Liturgical Commissions, strengthening
their development and activities. Father Colussi was also active in local
social service and the welfare of laborers, earning widespread praise for initiatives
like affordable housing projects and sponsorship programs that improved the
lives of the poor and marginalized. He continued the Salesian tradition of pastoral zeal by promoting local
vocations and supporting the diocesan clergy.
Father Colussi’s contributions were multidimensional, bridging religious
education, administration, and social welfare. Under his leadership, with the
help of some of his benefactors and charitable associations, the Krishnagar
Diocese launched low-cost housing schemes and sponsorship programs for
education and healthcare, which significantly impacted underprivileged
communities. His efforts to modernize catechesis and improve training standards
enhanced both the spiritual growth and social unity of the religious community.
Deeply devoted to Salesian youth and their spiritual development, he also
initiated pragmatic development programs for neglected sections of society.
Through his leadership, a harmonious coordination between religious education
and social service was established, creating a strong model within the Bengali
Christian society that serves as a foundation for lasting peace and progress.
His administrative leadership in the Krishnagar Diocese brought greater
discipline, transparency, and cooperation among Christian followers, expanding
religious activities beyond spirituality to embrace social welfare and
humanitarian service. Under his guidance, religious leadership evolved to
integrate social welfare and human service, thus transforming religion into a
force for social change beyond mere personal faith.
Nitika Don Bosco Catechetical & Social Communication Centre
As the director-founder of the Don Bosco Catechetical and
Multimedia Centre in Kolkata (known as Nitika Don Bosco), inviting experts from
Italy to develop audio-visual catechetical materials such as the program on
Mother Teresa’s work, he pioneered the use of modern audio-visual and
multimedia tools in religious education, playing a key role in its
modernization. He was entrusted
by Mother Teresa herself to provide catechetical training to her
Missionaries of Charity sisters. Beyond writings, he organized frequent
one-week courses for catechists, significantly fostering faith education among
lay and religious people in the diocese. He was also the Catechetical Director of
the Kolkata Arch-Diocese, as well. Catechetics India is a quarterly published by Nitika-Don Bosco, Calcutta
established in August 1983, under the title, as a quarterly Faith formation
journal for catechists and religion teachers. The first editor was Fr. Luciano.
He wrote the book, “Bishop Morrow - A Man who
Lived for Catechesis” as the Vicar General of Krishnagar Diocese, who was a
close associate of Bishop L. R. Morrow. Furthermore, his outstanding work in
training missionary sisters under the guidance of Mother Teresa and organizing
various religious programs earned him considerable acclaim. Besides, Child
Catechesis, The Choice, Universality of Tagore, he authored
several other works that established a modern and extensive approach to
religious education for children and youth.
His
book "Child Catechesis" published by Don Bosco Catechetical Centre in
1978, which contains 368 pages focused on catechetical education for children.
He also wrote about catechetics and church-related topics, including an article
titled "Bishop Morrow: A Man Who Lived for Catechesis," highlighting
pastoral approaches and catechetical work. Additionally, Fr. Colussi
contributed to historical and missionary works, such as one published about the
Portuguese era and the church history in India. His missionary and catechetical
work extended to social communication and liturgical publication within the
Salesian mission context.
Multi-Media Production and Catechetical Publications
Documentary
visual materials about Fr. Luciano Colussi SDB are scarcely available, mainly
as historical and commemorative resources related to his missionary work and
leadership in Kolkata and Krishnagar (West Bengal), and with few Salesian
institutions. Audio-visual programme: In 1977, Fr. Luciano Colussi
arranged for Salesians from Italy to produce slides documenting Mother Teresa’s
work for an audio-visual programme entitled “Mother Teresa” in Calcutta. He
produced and edited such many other resources during his whole tenure at Nitika
for audio-visual programs, or for catechetical purposes. The Catechetical and
Multimedia Centre, which he founded had more visual and documentary materials
either produced by him or related to his activities. Digging into the Salesian
institutional archives and social communication departments, we find that as
the editor of Catechetics India and creator of catechetical materials
produced at the multimedia center through his initiatives are partially
preserved – some visual and documentary resources may be accessible via
diocesan archives and Salesian communication networks as well.
Fr. Luciano Colussi SDB is known for editing and
producing publications focused on Salesian themes, especially catechetical
materials and missionary resources. He curated a well-equipped Catechetical
Library at Nitika, with best of the Catechetical collections ever. Sad, that
the library does not exist anymore in its original location. It is almost
disintegrated and dismantled! He was responsible for several catechetical
training publications for Salesian missions in India at Nitika Don Bosco, it being
the national catechetical and multi-media centre for whole of Salesian
provinces in India. He edited commemorative and historical publications, such
as the fourth edition of A Bandel Church and Hooghly in Bengali, published by
him and printed at S. Joseph Training Institute of Printing, Krishnagar. News
posts commemorating his work including articles about his missionary legacy
from the archives of the Diocese of Krishnagar and of Salesian Province
Kolkata, or associated church institutions are meagre including some
unpublished materials. It is a sad story that resources produced by Fr. Luciano
Colussi and sources of reference on him including his obituary, are not
preserved. So are the original audio-visual documentation and reports of commemorative
events and meetings, for future research or historical purposes. His editorial
works are also be associated with catechetical and youth and faith-focused
Salesian Journals like Kristu Jyoti Journal, Bosco Udayam, and magazines named Milon Bithi, Jubo
Probhao, Jibonbani in Bengali and handbooks, with references in historical
Salesian social communications studies and institutional archives.
A Spiritual Giant Passed the Baton On
Fr Luciano is remembered affectionately
as a veteran missionary, as well as a pioneering catechetical minister in West
Bengal, especially in the Archdiocese of Kolkata and that of Krishnagar. Situated
on Nabadwip Road, Krishnagar, Nadia, Fr. Colussi started the construction of Sanjivani
Socio-Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Krishnagar in 1994 with the help
of agencies, like MISSIO, IGSS, Salesian Fr. Alessi's friends and other
local contribution. It enjoys its own particular identity in matters of
property and administration, direction and programming, internal affairs and
openness to externs. It offers various training courses on moral, social,
religious, educational, cultural, agricultural, technical and economic matters;
programmes on family and civil life (Health, Relationship, Social
Communication, Art and culture such as: music, dance, drama, painting etc.); seminars,
retreats, conventions with residential facilities for up to 70 persons. It is
equipped with Audio-Visual Department. It used to produce audio and Video
Cassettes and offered training on Audio-Visual. The centre provided with a
vehicle as mobile unit to carry out the same training in villages and mofussil
areas. Sanjivani continues imparting animation on spiritual, moral, educational
and cultural matters, following his path.
Fr. Luciano, a
multifaceted personality who left his home in Italy at 16 and lived upto a ripe
old age 86, spreading the gospel of love and instructing the faithful in
various capacities. The Salesian family and friends had expressed sentiments of
sorrow at the passing away of a great soul who moulded the face of the Church
in West Bengal. From 1992 Fr Luciano served as Vicar General of the diocese of
Krishnagar. During this period one of his great achievements was the
construction of Cristo Mandir at Krishnagar, dedicated to the people of Bengal,
depicting the life of Christ through the media of architecture and sculpture.
The history of salvation is enmeshed in secular history and retold in colour
and shapes.
Fr Luciano Colussi - A Dynamic Missionary who was Detained
Although he was
suffering from various ailments, at a later stage he was hospitalized for
pneumonia. His condition aggravated as all his vital organs collapsed. Fr
Luciano finally left for his eternal abode on October 11, 2010. Bidding a
tearful farewell to Fr Luciano Colussi on October 13, 2010 at Bandel Basilica
one witnessed over 2,500 people who braved the rain at the funeral ceremonies
that lasted three hours in the presence of 98 Salesian and diocesan priests – a
record number.
Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga SDB, Ex- Regional Superior, had commended
at his funeral saying that Fr Luciano was a dynamic Missionary in Bengal, who
integrated fully into the culture of the people as seen by his mastery of the
local language. During his extraordinary visitation to the Province, Fr Luciano
translated in 3 to 4 sentences what he said in one sentence, which highlights
his trait as an instructor and good teacher. In fact, during the final oration,
all the speakers accentuated his qualities as a friend of the poor, a vibrant
missionary who established local parishes and who effectively imparted faith
through text, pictures, music, sculpture and other art forms. The then Archbishop
Lucas Sircar said, "Fr Luciano Colussi lived an honorable life which
glorified God through his hard work, missionary zeal, music and a special love
for our Blessed Mother Mary."
The
arbitrary arrest of this 81-year-old Salesian priest and Vicar General of the
Diocese of Krishnagar, had deeply shaken the Catholic community in eastern
India. Without explanation, police entered the Bishop’s House on February 12,
2005, and detained the Italian-born priest, allegedly over a personal vendetta
after he refused to renew the contract of a physiotherapist at a diocesan
clinic. Allegedly, it was a sequel to the Sanjeevani Diocesan Pastoral Center’s
failure to "oblige" the Nadia SP Benoy Chakrabarty, who wanted to use
the Center’s recording studio in Krishnagar to record his personal songs. He
was given permission, but later when the SP"s recording timings clashed
with the center’s urgent pastoral engagements, the permission was denied. Though
released the same day through the
intervention of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate and a local legislator, police
violence soon followed in nearby Nirmal Nagar, where men and women were beaten.
Bishop Joseph Gomes condemned the “grave abuse” and described the damage to the
Catholic community as “colossal,” with many now feeling unsafe and vulnerable
under a system seemingly biased toward the majority community.
Despite
appeals for calm, Catholics protested at police headquarters demanding an
apology; clashes ensued, leaving several injured and eleven arrested. The West
Bengal Minorities Commission then urged the state home department to probe the
matter and furnish a report. Separate complaints were also lodged with the West
Bengal Human Rights Commission and I- G, South Bengal. The incident, local
leaders fear, exposes the growing insecurity and marginalization of Christians
in the region. A
local Catholic leader did express his fears to AsiaNews: "If this could
happen to such a well-known and well-respected personality like Fr Luciano
Colussi, anything can happen to us. This is true in today’s India.
A Missionary Catechist of Inculturated Evangelization
Fr. Colussi's
missionary life is marked by dedication to catechetical education, pastoral
care, and social upliftment through initiatives such as low-rate housing
schemes and sponsorship programs to alleviate poverty among the people,
although detailed specific success stories or records of these initiatives are
not widely documented online in the sources retrieved. His contributions
embrace administration, education, and charitable endeavors consistent with
Salesian charism in service to both faith and social needs. Fr Luciano with
outstanding qualities as a missionary, pastor and a pioneer of catechetical
works in West Bengal has done a highly tangible service through his ministry as
Vicar General in the diocese of Krishnagar, who integrated fully into the
culture of the people as seen by his mastery of the local language. He has to
his credit the erection of monuments of faith formation, namely, Nitika Don
Bosco in Kolkata, Sanjeevani and Cristo Mandir at Krishnagar.
Being
involved in administration and pastoral support, his missionary work focused on
educating Catholics, social upliftment and sponsorship. His missionary life was
marked by a deep commitment not only to faith formation but also to social
welfare. Under his leadership, these social welfare schemes and sponsorship
works aimed at alleviating poverty were undertaken, reflecting his holistic approach
to mission — integrating spiritual education with tangible improvements in
people's living conditions. This approach aligned with Salesian values of
uplifting the marginalized through education and social action. He also
contributed to historical and communication aspects in the Salesian mission. We
find the writings and books by Fr. Luciano Colussi SDB, and a biodata with
success stories and his achievements especially in the field of Catechetics and
as the Vicar General of Krishnagar diocese, doing the administration, giving an
overall perspective of his missionary life in educating the Catholics to the
faith, and resolving the poverty of people through financial support.
As a good Catechist-teacher
who knew to explain and teach, he had the extraordinary quality in a
descriptive and elaborate way, which highlight his trait as a good pedagogue. In
fact, he was a dedicated Salesian missionary and catechist who made significant
contributions to the Church, especially in the fields of catechetics, pastoral
administration, and social welfare. He was friend of the poor, a vibrant
missionary who established local parishes and who effectively imparted faith
through text, pictures, music, sculpture and other art forms. + Archbishop of yesteryear, Bp. Lucas Sircar
had this to say, “He lived an honorable life which glorified God through his
hard work, missionary zeal, music and a special love for our Blessed Mother
Mary.” Fr Luciano composed many Bengali
hymns, and are still being sung by the simple faithful in the villages from the
Bengali Prayer book named Amar Sohochor.
Achievements
and Legacy Live On
Fr.
Colussi’s achievements included: authoring seminal catechetical literature and
developing multimedia catechetical tools; administering the Krishnagar Diocese
during a critical period, strengthening parish structures and lay
participation; supporting and training catechists regularly to reach the
grassroots; engaging actively in social upliftment through housing and
sponsorship programs; collaborating with renowned figures like St. Mother
Teresa of Kolkata, supporting her Missionaries of Charity through spiritual and
catechetical assistance. Salesian confreres, diocesan priests of Krishnagar,
faithful, friends, benefactors and well-wishers all acknowledge his outstanding
qualities as a missionary, pastor and a pioneer of catechetical works in West
Bengal. He helped founding diocesan congregations for women religious with Bp.
Lucas Sirkar, and contributing to the diocesan seminary development as well.
Among other things the highly tangible
service done by Fr Luciano was through his ministry as Vicar General of the
diocese of Krishnagar from 1992. He has to his credit the erection of monuments
of faith formation namely, Nitika Don Bosco in Kolkata, Sanjeevani and Cristo
Mandir at Krishnagar. He played a major
role in designing educational and religious spaces, through the media of
architecture and sculpture. During his tenure as Vicar General, one of his
great achievements was this construction of Cristo Mandir at Krishnagar with
the help of a Catholic Artist Mr. Dilip Michael Biswas, which features murals,
statues, and paintings illustrating Christ's life, dedicated to the people of
Bengal.
The history of salvation is enmeshed in secular history and retold in
colour and shapes. The wish of this missionary who projected and built this
Holy Temple, is that all who visit this Mandir should be “inspired to live more
meaningfully their daily assignments by having a model before their eyes and
their hearts.”
Conclusion
Fr.
Luciano Colussi is remembered as a "priest with a great heart" who
balanced administration, catechetical zeal, and social mission in his life's
work. Today, he is remembered affectionately as a veteran missionary, as well
as a pioneering catechetical minister in Bengal– a faithful soul who moulded
the face of the Church in West Bengal and laid solid foundation in rebuilding
the local Church – the People of God. This multifaceted personality, who left
his home in Italy at 16 and lived upto a ripe old age 86, spreading the gospel
of love and instructing the faithful in various capacities. His contribution to
the Catholic Church in India especially in Krishnagar is marked by a
compassionate approach that sought to educate, administer, and uplift
communities in faith and socio-economic well-being. The Salesian Congregation
has won a great triumph, in celebrating the 15th memorial death
anniversary –11th October 2025– of a vibrant life of a valiant
missionary who emptied his whole ‘self’ particularly for the local Church, in
service of the poor.
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