Parish with large missionary vocations holds reunion in Bangladesh

The St. John the Baptist Church in Tumilia, a parish in the Archdiocese of Dhaka in Bangladesh, organized a reunion for priests, brothers, and nuns—the first of its kind.

From October 13 to 14, the program was organized in Gazipur district’s Tumilia Parish—the "seedbed of vocations."

This mission at Tumilia has been established in 15 villages. After the Daripara sub-parish became a separate mission, Tumilia Parish was formed with 14 villages. It is the second-largest parish in the Bhawal area.

Historically, St. John the Baptist Parish embraced the Catholic faith in 1844. Over the years, the number of Catholics in the area has grown. 

As Catholic families came into contact with numerous priests and nuns from various congregations, many young men and women opted to become missionaries in Bangladesh and beyond.

At present, there are more than 6,000 Catholics in the parish.

The parish is home to the headquarters of the Associates of Mary Queen of the Apostles, commonly known as SMRA Sisters. This is the largest community in the country.

And from this parish, under the guidance of the Sisters, Catholics received sound spiritual and sacramental faith formation, which enabled many youngsters to respond to the Lord's call in various communities as priests, brothers, and nuns.

This parish has 180 priests, brothers, and nuns, according to parish priest Father Albin Gomes.

"The reunion aimed to share pastoral experiences and listen to each and enthuse others to be effective in mission," said Gomes.

There had been a plan to hold the reunion for a long time, but it could not happen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he explained.

"It took four months to plan the activities and implement them well," Gomes said.

In the afternoon of October 13, the festival started with informal tea and snacks. Every family prepared different types of foods and sweets and served them with great joy.

Then the children of the parish welcomed the sons and daughters of the parish, who are priests, brothers, and nuns, who were escorted to the church premises with singing and dancing.

This was followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the evening. Then everyone introduced themselves. After that, one person from each community shared the charism (missionary thrust) of the religious congregation or diocese.

On October 14, the day began with the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by Father Kamal Corraya.

In his homily, Father Corraya said it is written in the Bible, "Stay awake and pray. Go all over the world and preach the Gospel. my name. Men and women of Tumilia are going all over the world preaching the message and serving the church."

On the occasion, the missionaries and Catholics of the village also prayed, paid their respects, and remembered all the priests, brothers, and nuns who have passed away.

After that, one priest, brother, and nun each shared something about themselves and the vocation story.

In his talk, Father Subrata Bonifas Tolentinu addressed leadership.

Besides, each family member, including priests, brothers, and nuns, attended the occasion.

About 500 people were present.

Speaking about the festival, Pradipta Jan said, "There are so many missionaries from our Tumilya parish. It is inspiring to know them and the service they render in the church in different places."

They have never had the opportunity to see them together, but today, through this reunion festival, they have the opportunity to see everyone, Jan added.

"It is a matter of great joy for all the Tumilia Missionaries. I believe that through this event, many young men and women will go forth to work in the Lord's vineyard," Jan said.

Benjamin Rozario, head of the Justice and Peace Commission of Tumilya parish, said that the late Holy Cross Archbishop Moses Costa of Chittagong, Bangladesh's second-largest city and the secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, had expressed his desire to hold such a reunion festival.

Costa died of COVID on July 13, 2022, at the age of 69.

"Although Costa is not among us, through the parish priest, we hold a reunion," said Rozario.

"Occasions like this enable us to meet missionaries. It encourages the new generation to take up the vocation and to show respect and love for priests, brothers, and sisters from the parish. I am happy to celebrate this reunion," he added.

"This kind of event is the first in the parish. It causes not only joy but also a bridge bond among all," Rozario said.

Holy Cross Brother Placide Rebeiro said, "After 17 years of being a brother, this is the first time I have participated in such a big event. We have many fathers, brothers, and sisters in Tumilia Mission, but we don't know all of them."

"The reunion was well organized and it enthused our missionary commitment," said Sister Mita, a member of the Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SSMI). - Mary Anna Gomes