Bangladesh: Catholic Students’ Movement Celebrates Silver Jubilee

Bangladesh Catholic Students’ Movement (BCSM) celebrated its silver jubilee at Good Shepherd Cathedral Parish in the Rajshahi diocese on April 21.

The Rajshahi diocesan youth commission and the BCSM organized and sponsored the event.

More than 200 youths from the diocese participated in the event with the theme “Youth are called for active participation to establish peace and justice."

During the homily, Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi enlightened the youth by delivering his inspirational speech, saying, "Youth is the present and future light of the Church."

"This long journey is an opportunity of honor, joy, blessing, and happiness for our church," said the Bishop. 

The Bishop said, "Jubilee means it's time to take a break, look back, thank and praise God, and evaluate your successes, failures, and achievements."

Bishop Rozario added, "I believe that our BCSM youth are doing various service work for the Church and leading society towards development." 

The main aims and objectives of the organization are to build a society of justice and peace through self-development and social change.

Father Proshanto Anid, the BCSM coordinator, said, "The purpose of BCSM is to form students' lives in the light of Gospel values and to witness to the life of the Christian faith."

"Encouraging, advising, and supporting students in developing awareness and action on a range of social issues to establish unity and solidarity," said Father Anid.  

He continued, "To spread the Christian way of life among the students and to carry on the mission work of Christ."

One of the participants, Margaret Palma, said, "This movement is a wonderful source of inspiration for me because it gives strength to the weak, shows the way to the lost, and torches light in the darkness."

When bitter emotions like disappointment, failure, and grief engulf you, know there is still a chance to improve. Palma remarked, "The BCSM education has inspired my heart during difficult times in my life."

The BCSM is a movement for college and university Catholic students in Bangladesh. This movement was started in Bangladesh in 1991.

The Bangladesh Episcopal Commission for Youth is associated with BCSM and draws inspiration from the IMCS (International Movement of Catholic Students). It currently exists in eight dioceses in Bangladesh and has become a center for the youth of Bangladesh.