Farewell to a philanthropist | The Daily Star
After working for the welfare of local Mandi (Garo) and other ethnic minority people for 57 years in Madhupur upazila of Tangail, Father Eugene Homrich is returning to his home country USA.
Homrich, the parish priest of Saint Pauls Darmopalli, a mission at Pirgachha in Madhupur upazila, left for Dhaka on Saturday morning and he is supposed to fly to the USA today.
Born in Michigan City in USA in 1928, Father Homrich came to Madhupur in 1959 and started preaching Christianity alongside arranging education and healthcare for the ethnic minority people in Madhupur Garh region after establishing Jalchhatra Mission.
He gave shelter to many freedom loving people during the 1971 Liberation War and after the country's independence, he was given recognition as a freedom fighter.
A farewell function for Homrich was organised at Saint Pauls Darmopalli, about 20 kilometres from the Madhupur upazila headquarters on Friday.
The 88-year-old Father turned emotional while recalling his long working life in Madhupur.
Along with basic education, learners should develop ethical qualities and gain self-reliance through economical activities, Father Homrich, said in his speech after a special prayer.
Lawmaker of Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobaura) Jewel Areng, Holy Cross Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi from Mymensingh, Provincial chief of Holy Cross community Father James Cruz, Father Eugene Anjus, new parish priest of Pirgachha mission, and Joinshahi Adivasi Unnayon Parishad president Eugene Nokrek attended the function joined by the people of ethnic minorities of different villages in Madhupur Garh region.
On December 22 last year, Father Homrich got death threat through a mobile message sent in the name of JMB and he was provided security by policemen at the Pirgachha mission compound, said Olin Mrong, personal secretary of Homrich for the last 17 years.
“Father Homrich went to USA in 2008 for treatment of different old-age complications including diabetes.
"He returned to Madhupur and wanted to pass his remaining years here but his condition was deteriorating and his sisters requested him repeatedly for returning to them in the USA”
“Lastly the Holy Cross Community provided him three months' leave for going to his country, mentioning that the leave would be extended if he wants,” Olin said.
Local Mandi (Garo) leader Eugene Nokrek, president of Joinshahi Adivasi Unnayon Parishad, said, "The local adivasis wanted to keep the great hearted Father here as long as he lives but it could not be possible due to his health condition and the present situation of the country.”
”