By Matters India Reporter
Darjeeling, November 29, 2019: Jesuit Father William Bourke, who translated full Bible into Nepali and wrote first Nepali thesaurus, died on November 29. He was 94.
He was on in 1925. Father Bourke’s love for God and the poor brought him to Darjeeling from Canada to serve the poor especially as a visionary educationist, said Father Felix Antony Pinto, director of Bogdogra Social Service Center.
The Canadian’s missionary love for Nepali language and culture is evident from the translation of full Bible into Nepali and the first Nepali thesaurus which he has published in Nepali.
“Though he lived closed to 95 years, he was always young, cheerful and up-to-date till the end. I just admired him for it,” said Father Pinto.
His passing away is a great loss to Darjeeling Jesuit Province and all people of the hills. He was a great soul. May he rest in peace.
His funeral ceremony will be conducted at St. Joseph’s School North Point, Darjeeling on November 30 at 2 pm.
“May the Good Lord whom Father Bourke had served faithfully as a Jesuit priest reward him richly in His eternal home,” said Father Pinto.