Priest with a Pen: Remembering Msgr. Benny Aguiar on His Birth Centenary

Mumbai, March 11, 2026: The Archdiocese of Mumbai marked the birth centenary of Msgr. Benny Aguiar — remembered as a priest, prophet and pioneering Catholic journalist — with a solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist and a gathering that celebrated his life, ministry and enduring influence on Church journalism.

The Eucharistic celebration was held at Our Lady of Egypt Church and was presided over by Cardinal Oswald Gracias. Bishop Alwyn D'Silva, Fr. Vernon Aguiar, Msgr. Benny’s brother, and several priests concelebrated the thanksgiving Mass.

In his homily, Cardinal Gracias reflected on the significance of Lent as a season of prayer, reflection and renewal. Paying tribute to the centenarian priest-journalist, he described Msgr. Benny as “an evangelizer through his pen.”

“Msgr. Benny proclaimed the Gospel not only from the pulpit but also in the public sphere,” the cardinal said. “Through his editorials and writings he made the message of Christ present in civic life.”

Drawing a link between the day’s Gospel message of mercy and justice and the life of Msgr. Benny, Cardinal Gracias noted that the veteran editor spoke with clarity and courage. “His articles were deep, accurate and fearless. Through his words he brought Gospel values into society and inspired people to live with faith, justice and integrity,” he said.

Following the Mass, family members, clergy and friends gathered for a fellowship programme to remember the life and mission of the priest who shaped Catholic journalism in India.

Justice (Retd)Aloysius Aguiar recalled the early life and vocation of his elder brother. Msgr. Benny, the eldest among nine siblings, joined the seminary at the age of fifteen and was ordained a priest on December 21, 1951.

His most enduring contribution came through journalism. In April 1961, he was appointed editor of The Examiner, a role he held with distinction for 33 years. During his tenure he was honoured with the ecclesiastical title of Monsignor.

Summing up his brother’s legacy, Justice Aguiar remarked simply: “Benny Aguiar’s life can be summed up in two words — priest journalist.”

Msgr. Benny also distinguished himself internationally as a Church correspondent. In 1965 he travelled to Rome to report on the final session of the historic Second Vatican Council for The Examiner. He later covered several Synods of Bishops at the Vatican.

Beyond journalism, Msgr. Benny was also a prolific author. Among his books was A Pope for the World, a biography of Pope John Paul II written shortly before the pontiff’s visit to India. During the papal visit in 1986, Msgr. Benny personally presented the book to the pope.

Another of his works, Jesus Is Lord, was re-released by Cardinal Gracias during the centenary celebrations. Justice Aguiar noted that the booklet reflected the priest’s deep spirituality and insights drawn from visits to the Holy Land, helping readers encounter the Gospel narrative more vividly.

Speaking at the gathering, Bishop D’Silva highlighted Msgr. Benny’s prophetic courage during the period of the The Emergency in India. As editor of The Examiner, Msgr. Benny registered his protest against censorship by publishing a blank editorial page — a silent yet powerful statement for freedom and truth.

The bishop described the act as a striking example of moral conviction and journalistic integrity. “It demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and the ethical responsibility of Church media to stand with the people,” he said.

Fr. Anthony Charangat, who succeeded Msgr. Benny and served as editor for 32 years, spoke movingly about his mentor’s influence. Father Benny, he recalled, taught him the “ABC of reporting” and believed that the best learning came through discipline and experience.

At the heart of his philosophy were three essential pillars for every communicator: reading, writing and speaking. He insisted that a good editor must be an avid reader, a clear writer and a confident communicator.

Father Benny also believed journalism could never be practiced from behind a desk. Both news and the Gospel, he would say, are discovered “on the beat,” through engagement with people and communities.

“He encouraged us to cultivate a global outlook, a local awareness of the diocese, and a parochial concern for the immediate community,” Fr. Charangat recalled.

Fr. Joshan Rodrigues, the present editor of The Examiner, reflected on how Msgr. Benny’s influence continues through his writings.

“Though I did not interact with him personally, I came to know him through his editorials,” Fr. Rodrigues said. “His intellectual depth and mastery of language remain vivid in the memory of our readers.”

Cardinal Gracias, who knew Msgr. Benny from their student days, described him as a brilliant thinker with rare theological depth and sociological insight.

“He faced challenges with courage and honesty, never shying away from difficult truths,” the cardinal said. “But beyond his scholarship, he was a man of warmth, joy and vision who saw the potential in every person.”

As the Church in Mumbai commemorates his birth centenary, Msgr. Benny Aguiar is remembered not merely as an editor or writer, but as a priest who used journalism as a form of ministry — a communicator who brought the Gospel into public life with courage, clarity and faith.

By Nirmala Carvalho