By Matters India Reporter
Kalimpong: A retired priest of Darjeeling diocese, who contributed to Nepali liturgical music, passed away on October 29. He was 78.
At the time of death, Father Leonard Tamsang was residing at Gianora Home Diocesan Home for the elderly priests, Kalimpong.
He was a priest for 48 years.
Father Tamsang was one of the stalwarts in Nepali Church music as he contributed numerous hymns to the Catholic liturgy which are found in “Bhanjanmala” (collection of Nepali hymns), said Father Albert Kujur, a Salesian priest based in Siliguri.
Father Tamsang “will live in our memory through his highly popular music,” Father Kujur said.
The funeral of was held at 11 am on October 30 at St. Teresa’s Church, Kalimpong.
Following government rules, Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling notified all parishes and church institutions to restrict the number of people attending the funeral service.
Only a restricted number of priests, representatives from convents, a few laypeople and relatives of the deceased attended the funeral service.
Father Tamsang was born on August 9, 1942, and ordained a priest on November 26, 1972.
Respectful farewell to Father Leonard Tamsang. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed soul.