Bangladesh: Good Shepard Cathedral Church celebrates Holy Childhood Day

The Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) in the Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh celebrated Holy Childhood Day for children from Good Shepherd Cathedral Church in northern Bangladesh at Rajshahi on March 18.

The PMS encourages Catholics to show love and care for children with a special theme: "Children are Pilgrims of Hope."

Around 300 children, including some child animators, nuns, priests, and a few people from all over the villages under the Cathedral parish, attended the event.

The day’s celebrations began with a vibrant rally, as children marched through the parish chanting uplifting slogans. Under the guidance of Father Pius Gomes, secretary of the PMS in the Diocese of Rajshahi, and other religious leaders, the participants engaged in a series of spiritual and educational activities, including art competitions, prayer sessions, Bible-based dramas, and a Bible quiz.

During his homily, Father Gomes emphasized the role of children in the future of the Church. "Today's children will be the missionaries of the future. It is our collective responsibility to ensure their proper formation," he said.

Gomes reminded the attendees that Jesus deeply loves every child and that parents, teachers, and church leaders must guide them with love and care. "We must be humble like the child Jesus. The responsibility of children in the Church is to work together, preparing them to serve the Church."

One of the child animators expressed their admiration for the children’s sincerity and dedication.

"Our children are honest, humble, and faithful. It is our moral duty to take care of them and nurture their faith," said the child animators.

Toma Hasdak, one of the participating children, shared her excitement, saying, "I enjoyed today because I had a lot of fun and learned so much from the Bible quiz."

A participating nun echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of raising children with spiritual guidance. "Since children are close to Jesus, we need to nurture them with spiritual care," she said.

The PMS is a worldwide Catholic network of missionary activity. It has four organizations: the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.

PMS has been the Catholic Church's official support organization for overseas missions since 1922. It raises awareness and encourages prayer and collaboration throughout the Catholic Church, bringing Christ's message to the world, particularly in countries where Christianity is new, young, or poor.

The Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood is active in over 130 countries. Its motto is "Children evangelizing children, praying for children, and helping children all over the world."

The Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood fosters in children a missionary spirit and a sense of leadership. It motivates them to share their faith and material benefits, particularly with the most vulnerable children.

It encourages, promotes, and supports missionary vocations. It is both a spiritual growth tool and a means of vocation.