SW News: Hundreds of seminarians, priests, novices, religious and nuns in Bangladesh credit an elderly nun for her invaluable help during their formation period. Sr. Mary Emily has been taking care of the well-stocked library in the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in the nation’s capital, Dhaka, for the past 18 years.
The 72-year-old nun has helped priests, sisters and even bishops with their religious studies by providing them with the right books. In an interview with Asianews, she said, "I love books very much, if I see one torn or damaged, I feel sad and immediately send them for repair. like close relatives to whom you become attached." After many years of service as a pathologist in hospitals, she left the world of test tubes and microscopes to be in the company of books.
Sr. Mary is in charge of 41,893 books in the nation’s sole major seminary spanning history, spirituality, literature, travel, sports, and medicine, including several newspapers and magazines. The library has a significant place in the Church. "Future priests, bishops, and nuns draw a lot from the library. I, in my small way, try to help them," said Sr. Mary. "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," she said.
Holy Spirit Major Seminary has 150 students and it is run by the Episcopal Commission of Bangladesh. The institution was established in 1974, three years after the country got its independence from Pakistan.