Bangladesh Church hosts national seminar for Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

The Catholic Church in Bangladesh organized the second national seminar of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN) at St. Gregory’s High School and College in Luxmibazar, from March 16 to 17.

The theme of the national seminar was "Pilgrims of Hope." The seminar brought together members of the PWPN from across the nation, with approximately 180 participants, including priests, nuns, religious brothers, and laypeople.

The event began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Subrata B. Gomes of Dhaka Archdiocese. In his homily, Bishop Gomes highlighted the profound significance of prayer in the life of a believer, emphasizing that prayer is an essential way to experience God.

He said, "Prayer is an important way to experience God, as the religious believer can communicate with Him. That is why prayer is so vital in our daily lives."

The country director of PWPN Bangladesh, Holy Cross Brother Subal Lawrence Rozario, explained the history of the movement, which began in 1944 in a Jesuit seminary in France, before reaching Bangladesh in 2019.

"The movement preaches and works on the objectives set by the Pope each month," said Rozario. "We aim to pray with the intention of the Pope. Prayer is our spiritual food, and through prayer, we develop a deep and loving conversation with God."

Rozario also noted that the PWPN currently boasts 1.5 million members across 90 countries worldwide, with activities carried out through personal prayer, community life, family, various associations, and at the parish level.

Father Stanly Costa delivered a presentation on the theme "Pilgrimage of Hope," diving into the Biblical background of the "Jubilee Celebration." Referring to Leviticus 25:8-22, Costa explained that the Jubilee year, in biblical terms, represents a "Holy Year" of grace and hope, symbolizing the fullness of life.

Father emphasized that "Jubilee embodies pilgrimage, prayer, liturgy, profession of faith, and indulgence."

Holy Cross Brother Ripon James Gomes, provincial of St. Joseph's Province in Bangladesh, commended the work of PWPN, noting how the movement strengthens the connection between individuals, the Church, and God through prayer.

The seminar featured a speech from Miss Maria Grace Sarkar, the youth coordinator, who addressed the importance of engaging youth in the Church. She expressed that youth are the driving force of the Church and, when properly guided, can grow spiritually, further enriching the community.

The PWPN's roots trace back to 1844 in France, where it was initially established. The Eucharistic Crusade began in 1914 to promote Eucharistic devotion among children and young people, eventually evolving into the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM).

At the end, participants shared their reflections, praising the event as both well-organized and enriching for all.