Key Points

• Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB), Kolkata: Established in 1911, it is the oldest Catholic lay organization in Bengal, focusing on the social, religious, and educational interests of the Catholic community.
• Objectives and Activities: The organization advocates for lay Catholics’ rights, engages in social welfare, and participates in religious events; the 2018 election of its first female president marked a significant milestone.
• Comparison to Other Catholic Associations in India: CAB operates at a local level, while the All India Catholic Union (AICU) is national; others like the Bombay Catholic Sabha and Kerala Latin Catholic Association focus on regional issues, but CAB predates AICU in establishment.

History

The Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB) was founded in 1911 in Kolkata during the British era, when the Catholic community faced social and religious challenges. It united lay Catholics to protect their interests. Its 1936 silver jubilee highlighted its progress. After 107 years, the 2018 election of Angelina Mantosh as the first female president was a historic step.

Current Role

CAB is active in Kolkata’s parishes like the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dharmatala), where it maintains its registered office. It conducts social welfare, Bible studies, and memorial events, operating under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta and emphasizing lay empowerment.

Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB), Kolkata: A Comprehensive Overview

The Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB) represents a pivotal chapter in India’s Catholic history, embodying the vibrant Catholic community of Kolkata. This organization not only symbolizes religious unity but also plays an active role in social justice, education, and community service. Below, we delve into its history, objectives, activities, and a brief description of other Catholic associations in India, providing a broader perspective in comparison to CAB.

Establishment and Historical Background

CAB was established in 1911 in Kolkata (then Calcutta) during British colonial rule. At the time, the Catholic community—comprising mainly European, Goan, and Bengali origins—faced social discrimination and religious restrictions. The organization’s purpose was to provide a platform for lay Catholics (non-clergy members) to voice their concerns. Its 1936 silver jubilee celebrations showcased its growth, emphasizing community welfare and spiritual development.

CAB operates under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta, established in 1834. The organization has maintained its relevance post-independence, particularly in the mid-20th century when the Catholic community contributed to education and healthcare. In 2018, after 107 years, Angelina Mantosh’s election as president was a revolutionary step, promoting greater female participation. This event underscores CAB’s balance of tradition and progress.

Objectives, Activities, and Contributions

CAB’s primary aim is to safeguard the spiritual, social, and civic interests of lay Catholics. Known as the “oldest lay people’s organization,” it focuses on the following key areas:

• Religious Events: Organizing Bible studies, All Souls’ Day memorials, and prayer gatherings. For instance, in 2012, it contributed to promoting the Bengali Bible edition.
• Social Services: Poverty alleviation, elderly care, and disaster relief. An example is the prayer assembly for Sri Lanka bomb blast victims.
• Community Integration: Active in Kolkata’s parishes such as the Church of the Sacred Heart (Dharmatala), St. Francis Xavier (Burrabazar), and St. Mary’s (Ripon Street), where CAB’s registered office is located.

The organization has strengthened Kolkata’s Catholic community, which numbers around 100,000. In recent years, it has hosted “Meet and Greet” events for members, including one in 2025 at the church.